According to emergency services, a gunman shot and murdered eight individuals while shopping at a mall north of Dallas, Texas.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from the Allen Premium Outlets mall as eyewitnesses recounted a guy shooting at random passers-by.
After hearing shots, a police officer responding to an unrelated incident killed the gunman.
Some of the victims have been identified as youngsters. At least seven people are hospitalized, and three of them are very ill.
According to Allen Fire Chief Jonathan Boyd, seven individuals were pronounced dead at the spot, including the gunman, and two died later in the hospital.
A police officer at the mall “heard gunshots, went to the gunshots, engaged the suspect, and neutralized the suspect,” according to Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey.
According to a hospital source, the casualties range in age from 5 to 51.
Some witnesses described the gunman as wearing all black and battle gear. Footage from the aftermath of the gunman’s death appeared to show an AR-15-style rifle laying near his body.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the shooting an “unspeakable tragedy” and said the state was ready to assist local police in any way possible.
As evidence is gathered, US authorities have requested members of the public who have video from the incident to contact the FBI.
President Joe Biden condemned the “senseless acts of violence” on Sunday and ordered that US flags be flown at half-mast at federal buildings, military stations, and American embassies until Thursday at sunset.
He also urged Congress to prohibit assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
