At least 15 people have died following a reported shooting at a Walmart near the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas, at approximately 10 am local time on Saturday, AP reports.
Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2019
What we know per the El Paso Police Department:
- Casualties: At least 15 are dead following the attack, law enforcement officials tell AP. El Paso hospitals say they are treating 22 victims of the attack, per AP.
- Investigators: The FBI and DEA are investigating the crime scene, along with the El Paso County Sheriff's Department and El Paso Police.
- In custody: One white male, 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, was arrested without incident.
- Weapon: El Paso police confirm that a rifle was used in the shooting.
- Sgt. Robert Gomez, public information officer with the El Paso Police Department, confirmed from a parking lot at Cielo Vista Mall on Saturday around 3:30 pm local time that between 1,000 and 3,000 shoppers and 100 employees were present at the Walmart. Many shoppers were there to get school supplies, Gomez said.
- The Walmart and shopping mall have been secured. ELPD has transitioned the crime scene from an active shooting investigation to a criminal investigation.
Huge medical response to active shooter at Walmart Cielo Vista. @elpasotimes pic.twitter.com/9O4M9uDYdu
— mark lambie (@LambieMark) August 3, 2019
The big picture: This is the second shooting at a Walmart within a week. A former employee shot at supervisors and killed 2 people on July 30 in Southaven, Mississippi, reports the New York Times.
- Another deadly shooting took place June 28 at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, Calif., leaving 3 people dead. The suspect, 19-year-old Santino William Legan, bought the "AK-47-type" assault rifle that was used in the attack legally.
What they're saying:
Truly heartbreaking. Stay safe, El Paso. Please follow all directions of emergency personnel as we continue to get more updates. https://t.co/BU0AH6Y8Rv
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) August 3, 2019
- Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove said the company is “in shock” over the news of Saturday’s attack.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates....