A mass shooting took place at an El Paso, Texas Walmart and surrounding shopping center leaving more than a dozen dead and dozens more injured on Saturday.
El Paso Police Department Chief Greg Allen confirmed at approximately 6:40 p.m. CST that 20 were killed and 26 were injured in the shooting.
Allen said the suspect, 21-year-old Dallas resident Patrick Crusius, published a manifesto online that includes language suggesting it could be a hate crime, but officials are currently investigating the shooting as a murder.
Previously, NBC News reported that 19 were dead and 40 were injured, while The Associated Press said 15 were killed.
Hospitals in El Paso said they are treating 22 victims, not including one victim who had died upon arrival.
The Walmart was located in a shopping center near Cielo Vista Mall and said to have been near full capacity with up to 3,000 shoppers and 100 employees during busy back-to-school shopping.
Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick told Fox News that 21-year-old man is in custody in connection with the shooting, which unfolded in the area of Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso. As many as 20 people are dead, Patrick said. https://t.co/kCGFlgPAdf
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 3, 2019
“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!” President Trump tweeted.
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
Walmart’s President and CEO Greg Foran released a statement across the company’s social media, saying, “The entire Walmart family is heartbroken by the loss of two valued members of our team. We feel tragedies like this personally, and our hearts go out to the families of our two associates and the officer who was injured.”
Our statement regarding the shooting in our Southaven, Mississippi store: https://t.co/U77vk4VIq5 pic.twitter.com/WBf17p4KBH
— Walmart Inc. (@WalmartInc) July 30, 2019
“We are relieved the suspect was apprehended, and we appreciate the quick response of the local authorities and our associates. We’ll continue to focus on assisting law enforcement in their investigation and on supporting our associates,” Foran concluded.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement sending condolences to victims and asking for prayers.
Statement on shooting in El Paso: pic.twitter.com/hsCXYGNLGg
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) August 3, 2019
“The state of Texas and the Department of Public Safety are assisting the El Paso Police Department as they conduct their investigation. We have deployed troopers, special agents, Texas Rangers, tactical teams, and aircraft to the scene in a support role. The state of Texas will do everything it can to ensure justice is delivered to the perpetrators of this heinous act,” Abbott said.
