The man who shot and killed at least eight persons in a Texas mall on Saturday has been identified by police.
CBS reported that Mauricio Garcia resided in a motel at the time of the incident and worked as a security guard.
The New York Times reports that seven individuals were injured as a result of the shooting.
According to Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey, Garcia was shot to death after an Allen police detective who was at the mall on other business heard the gunfire and killed Garcia.
CNN reports that the gunman was wearing black body armor and carrying additional magazines on his torso during the incident.
CNN reported, citing an unnamed senior law enforcement source, that in addition to the rifle used in the murder, Garcia had a second weapon and additional weapons in his vehicle.
CNN reported, citing the Texas Online Private Security database, that Garcia received firearms proficiency training for his work in security.
After 2020, Garcia’s authorization to operate as a security guard expired.
Geoffrey Keaton told the Times that he heard gunfire while having lunch with his 16-year-old daughter.
I knew instantaneously. “I hid my infant daughter behind the counter as the sounds grew louder, as if he were nearby,” he said.
Keaton stated that the manager of the Fatburger where they were eating allowed patrons to hide and evacuate through the back door.
“You could see bodies of people he had shot on the sidewalk,” Keaton said
Video of the incident has been posted to Twitter.
“We all want the victims and their families impacted by this tragedy to know that we will wrap our arms around you, and we are here for you,” Allen Mayor Ken Fulk said. “We know you are grieving. We are grieving. Rest assured, the nation and the world are also grieving. Allen is a proud and safe city, which makes today’s senseless act of violence even more shocking.”
Police officers in Allen do not “hesitate to move toward the threat,” he said, signifying that the response has saved lives.
More on this story via The Western Journal:
Steven Spainhouer, a former police officer, said he arrived after the shooting to try to help victims, according to NBC. CONTINUE READING…
