Eight people were killed by gunfire, and at least seven others were injured at the "Allen Premium Outlets" in northern Dallas, Texas, yesterday, Saturday. Allen Police Chief Bryan Harvey stated at a press conference that "the shooter, whom authorities believe acted alone and whose motives remain unknown, was killed by a police officer after he began firing outside the center." Texas Governor Greg Abbott described the shooting as a "horrific tragedy." He stated in a release that "the state is prepared to provide any assistance needed by local authorities."
In this context, the Medical City Healthcare, which manages 16 hospitals in the area, stated that its medical centers are treating eight of the injured, aged between 5 and 61 years. They did not disclose the nature of their conditions. Allen's Fire Chief John Boyd clarified in the same press conference that "his department transported at least nine of the shooting victims to hospitals in the area." He added in a later press conference that "two of the injured died in the hospital. Three are in critical condition, while the other four are stable."
Hundreds of people exited the shopping center quietly, which is located about 40 kilometers northeast of Dallas, after the outbreak of violence. Many of them had their hands raised amidst the presence of dozens of police officers. A witness confirmed to a local television station that "the attacker was shooting from his rifle everywhere." Blood was seen on the sidewalks outside the shopping center, with white covers over what appeared to be bodies.
Mass shootings targeting crowds have become common in the United States, with at least 198 such incidents recorded so far this year, the highest number for this stage of the year since 2016.
