Political leaders comment on deadly mass shooting in Allen

ALLEN (CBSNewsTexas.com) — Elected leaders representing the City of Allen are commenting on the deadly mass shooting at the outlet mall there.

At a news conference Saturday night, lawmakers said they are grieving for the families of the victims.

Keith Self, the United States representative for Texas' third congressional district, made a statement shortly after the tragic shooting. The third congressional district encompasses areas north and northeast of Dallas, including Allen.

"We are devestated by the tragic news of the shootings that took place at the Allen Premium Outlets today. Our prayers are with the victims and their families and all law enforcement on the scene. This is an ongoing situation, but Allen PD has full control of the scene. A shooter is down and there are multiple casualties. They are continuing to work to ensure the scene is safe. The public is being asked to stay away from that area while this investigation continues."  

State Rep. Jeff Leach (R-McKinney) said, "There are many, many people in our community tonight who are hurting, whose lives have been shattered and who need and deserve our collected prayers."

State Sen. Angela Paxton, who also represents the city of Allen, tweeted a statement that said in part, "We will never get over something like this, but we will get through it by being there for each other."

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement saying, "I have been in contact with Mayor Fulk and DPS Director McCraw as well as other state and local leaders and offered the full support of the State of Texas to local officials."

"Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy. I have been in contact with Mayor Fulk and DPS Director McCraw as well as other state and local leaders and offered the full support of the State of Texas to local officials to ensure all needed assistance and resources are swiftly deployed, including DPS officers, Texas Rangers, and investigative resources."

Senator Ted Cruz said his team has been in contact with local officials and that he has also offered "whatever support is needed to do justice and help those in need."

"Heidi and I are praying for the families of the victims of the horrific mall shooting in Allen, Texas. We pray also for the broader Collin County community that's in shock from this tragedy.  

My team is in contact with local officials, and I have offered whatever support is needed to do justice and help those in need. Thank you to the incredible law enforcement who put a stop to the monster who committed this act of evil."

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said in a statement, "Please join me in mourning the victims of the unspeakable tragedy in Allen. We are grateful for our brave first responders who were deployed to stop the shooter."

"Please join Jan and me in mourning the victims of the unspeakable tragedy in Allen. Please also join us in prayer for the victims' families and friends along with the residents of Allen. We are grateful for our brave first responders who were deployed to stop the shooter and investigate this hideous crime. We are thankful for their bravery and courage."  

Senator John Cornyn tweeted, "I am grieving with the Allen community tonight, and I send my gratitude to the brave Allen police officers, Collin County first responders, and all those involved in responding to this afternoon's horrific incident."

Attorney General Ken Paxton also offered his condolences.

"Pray for Allen, Texas. Pray for these families and for law enforcement as they try to apprehend this shooter."

State Rep. Rhetta Bowers (D-Garland), issued a statement that said in part, "It must be said that these tragedies will continue to occur so long as Texas fails to enact common sense gun safety reforms and invests in mental healthcare and the social safety net."

It is still early in the investigation and law enforcement officers haven't said what weapon the gunman used and what led to this shooting. It comes nearly one year after the deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

Guns have been a topic of some debate at the Texas Capitol during the regular legislative session.

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, (D-San Antonio), who represents Uvalde, has filed a number of bills seeking to restrict guns sales. None of them has received a hearing in committee.

In the House, a bill to increase the age someone can buy an AR-style rifle from 18 to 21 did receive a hearing in a committee, but it's been left pending.

With three weeks left in the session, none of the bills will likely be approved by the Republican majorities in both chambers.

In:
• Shooting
• Politics
• Allen
• North Texas
• Crime

Jack Fink

Jack Fink covers politics for KTVT-TV CBS 11 and has been with the station since September 2003.

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