At least 9 dead, multiple injured in mall shooting near Dallas: police

At least nine people have died, including the gunman, and several others were injured in a shooting on Saturday at a mall outside of Dallas, according to local police.

The Allen Fire Department transported nine people to area hospitals, Allen Fire Department Chief Jonathan Boyd said. Seven people died on scene at the Allen Premium Outlets and two others were pronounced dead at the hospital, Boyd said Saturday evening. Three other victims were in critical condition.

Further details about the victims have not been released, but some witnesses told The Associated Press they saw children among them.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims,” Allen Police Chief Brian E. Harvey said at a news conference. “This is a tragedy. People will be looking for answers. And we just, we’re sorry that those families are experiencing that loss.”

An officer was responding to an unrelated call at Allen Premium Outlets when he heard the gunshots and “neutralized” the shooter, Harvey added. Authorities said they believe the gunman acted alone.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said in a statement that he has been in contact with state and local officials to offer “the full support of the State of Texas” and “ensure all needed assistance and resources are swiftly deployed.”

“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” Abbott added.

Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas), whose district includes Allen, said on Twitter that he was “devastated by the tragic news” of the shooting.

“Our prayers are with the victims and their families and all law enforcement on the scene,” Self wrote.

Sen. John Cornyn said he was “grieving with the Allen community” after the incident.

“Heidi and I are praying for the families of the victims of the horrific mall shooting in Allen, Texas,” Sen. Ted Cruz said on Twitter, referring to his wife. “We pray also for the broader Collin County community that’s in shock from this tragedy.”

Allen Mayor Ken Fulk said in a statement he’s received calls from both Abbot and the White House.

A White House official said President Biden had been briefed on the shooting and was closely monitoring the situation and in touch with local officials to offer support.

–Julia Mueller contributed to this report, which was updated on May 7 at 7:23 a.m.