Texas DPS says Allen mall gunman, Mauricio Garcia acted alone
ALLEN (CBSNewsTexas) - The Texas Department of Public Safety hosted a press briefing on May 9 about the current status of the Allen Premium Outlets mall shooting.
Representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allen Police Department addressed questions from journalists, stating they believe the gunman, Mauricio Garcia, acted alone.
City of Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey began by acknowledging the Allen police officer who "showed tremendous bravery," by ushering people to safety and killing Garcia.
Chief Harvey also mentioned one of the eight victims killed, Allied security guard Christian LaCour.
"He evacuated others to safety and was helping others when he was shot," said Harvey.
Sisters Daniela, 11, and Sofia Mendoza, 8, and three members of the Cho family — parents and their 3-year-old son also died.
"We recognize the fear and heartache that occurs when things like this happen," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough.
In addition to the FBI, the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism is looking into Garcia's digital footprint. They said social media posts indicate the 33-year-old was "obsessed with violence" and embraced misogynistic, antisemitic and white supremacist ideologies, sporting large SS and Nazi tattoos.
"The FBI has Garcia's computer, phone and other evidence," said Texas DPS Regional Director Hank Sibley.
Saturday's rampage came one week after another mass shooting in Texas, when five people, including a 9-year-old boy, were shot and killed in the town of Cleveland. According to authorities in that case, Francisco Oropeza went into a neighbor's home and opened fire after he was asked to stop shooting his gun late at night while a baby was trying to sleep.
The FBI and the Allen Police Department are asking anyone with information on the shooting to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.