Law enforcement responded to reports of an active shooting at Allen Premium Outlets in Texas Saturday afternoon and have confirmed that at least eight people were killed and another seven people were injured by a lone gunman.
The Collin County sheriff confirmed that the shooter was dead at the scene and that there were multiple victims, including children, according to WFAA. Texas DPS and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined local authorities on the scene.
Nine victims, from the ages of 5 to 61, were transported to the hospital, according to the Allen Police Department. Police said that the shooter acted alone. At 3:36 p.m. local time, a police officer was responding to a separate call at the outlet mall and heard gunfire. The officer then engaged the shooter and “neutralized” the suspect before calling for emergency personnel.
At 3:36 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, an Allen Police Department officer on an unrelated call heard gunshots at Allen Premium Outlets. The officer engaged the suspect and neutralized the threat. He then called for emergency personnel.
— Allen Police Department (@Allen_Police) May 6, 2023
Live aerial footage from Fox 4 showed numerous law enforcement officials going into the stores as a line of shoppers walked away from the mall. The footage also appeared to show multiple bodies outside an H&M store covered by white sheets.
Allen Premium Outlets is around 25 miles north of Dallas and is home to over 120 outlet stores.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement following the shooting, saying that he has been in contact with the Allen mayor and Texas DPS director.
“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” Abbott said. “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.”