At least 15 people — and possibly as many as 40 — were shot today at a Walmart in the city of El Paso, Texas, as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) told Fox News.
Patrick also said a 21-year-old man was taken into custody, the outlet reported. Other individuals are possibly in custody as well.
The shooter is from Allen, Texas, according to the El Paso, Texas, police chief during a press conference early Saturday evening.
Authorities said earlier in the day that they had received numerous reports of “multiple shooters.” That was then revised to one shooter.
Investigations are still ongoing.
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
The lieutenant governor did not reveal to Fox how many of the injuries were fatal — but as of 6:45 p.m. ET, the Associated Press was reporting that at least 15 people were killed.
A spokesperson for El Paso Mayor Dee Margo told ABC News that there were “multiple fatalities” as a result of the shooting.
The El Paso Police Department tweeted that blood was urgently needed for those who were injured.
Updates are expected at a press conference at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET.
See the tweets below with more information.
Sources familiar with the El Paso mall complex shooting investigation say that a 2nd person was taken into custody by authorities, but it is not yet clear if that individual played any role in the shooting – @anblanx
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 3, 2019
JUST IN: President Trump "has been briefed on the shooting in El Paso, and we continue to monitor the situation. The president has spoken with AG Barr and Gov. Abbott."
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 3, 2019
JUST IN: Walmart responds to shooting at an El, Paso, Texas mall: "We're in shock over the tragic events at Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso…We’re praying for the victims, the community & our associates as well, as the first responders." https://t.co/P9xMyD72t6 pic.twitter.com/QSrPxB90TU
— ABC News (@ABC) August 3, 2019
LIVE UPDATE: Latest on the deadly mass shooting near mall in El Paso. https://t.co/DxAHt7KH2Y #KHOU11 https://t.co/4XHVIRCpsF
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) August 3, 2019
In El Paso, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety is assisting local law enforcement & federal authorities to bring this tragedy to the swiftest & safest possible conclusion.
We thank all First Responders for their courageous response & urge all area residents to remain safe. https://t.co/H6UDwu81SY
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 3, 2019
.@FBIElPaso is responding to the Cielo Vista Active Shooter incident. We are assisting and coordinating with @EPPOLICE at this time. pic.twitter.com/LklDBnbBl6
— FBI El Paso (@FBIElPaso) August 3, 2019
“Police responded to reports of an active shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall area shortly before 11 a.m. and asked people to stay clear of the active scene,” Fox News reported.
“An El Paso police spokesman told reporters shortly before 1 p.m. that there was no longer an ‘imminent threat’ to the area.”
One witness told the outlet that his own mother died at the scene.
Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas), a presidential candidate for 2020, called the shooting “truly heartbreaking.”
“Stay safe, El Paso. Please follow all directions of emergency personnel as we continue to get more updates,” he tweeted.
And Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, also a candidate for the Democratic nomination, tweeted the following:
Mayor Buttigieg: "My grandmother used to take me to Cielo Vista Mall. Now it’s one more mass shooting scene. How many more must grieve before we act? #ElPaso"
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 3, 2019
This is a developing story and has been updated; check back for further updates.
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