Texas Mall Shooting: at least 9 dead, including children

ALLEN, Texas -- Police have responded to a shooting in a huge outdoor shopping mall in Allen, Texas where, at latest report, nine people have been killed and so has the shooter, according to local authorities.

The carnage began at around 3:30 p.m. local time Saturday at the Allen Premium Outlets, according to local media outlets.

“Law enforcement is on the scene at Allen Premium Outlets. An active investigation is underway. Please avoid the area until further update,” Allen Police Department posted on Twitter.

A Collin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said that there are multiple victims, including children. The sheriff also confirmed that the shooter is dead at the scene.

Governor Greg Abbott commented on what he called an ‘unspeakable tragedy.' 

“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.”

NBC Dallas initially reported that witnesses said there were at least two fatalities in the shooting at the outlet mall in Allen, Texas. That figure has now climbed to nine and we pray it doesn't grow.

Texas is an "open carry" state but unfortunately, it appears that no one nearby in the area was armed except the shooter. He was eventually neutralized by law enforcement, but situations like this make a good case for open carry.

This is a breaking situation and more will follow as it is learned.

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Shopping mall shooting leaves one dead

With the last-minute rush to buy that one gift you forgot, and the crowds window shopping with looks of glee on their faces, then running in every direction to get away from a mall shooter, you can tell that it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

FoxNews. com reported that an armed man in the people-stuffed Northlake Mall in Charlotte, NC, was confronted by off-duty officers and was shot and pronounced dead on scene. The police believe it began as a kerfuffle between two groups of people when the officers intervened. At least three people were rushed to nearby hospitals.

As store employee at Aldo inside the mall said she heard five or six shots and immediately closed the door to the store and went to the back room. After a short time, mall security came and told people to evacuate.

Due to the massive crowd leaving the mall to get into their vehicles, the parking lot looked a lot like Manhattan's Fifth Avenue during rush hour. It moved like the petal of the iris opening for the Buddha.

The cause of the kerfuffle is still unknown, but we hope it had nothing to do with any religious requirements imposed upon the shooter, if you know what I mean.

But seriously, Merry Christmas. Please be safe.


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