ALLEN, Texas, May 6, 2023 (Gephardt Daily) — Nine people were killed and seven others were hospitalized after a shooting at Dallas-area outlet mall Saturday afternoon, police said.
Seven people, including the shooter, were pronounced dead at Allen Premium Outlets, while nine other shooting victims were taken to regional hospitals, the Allen Police Department stated on its Facebook page. Two victims later died at the hospital, police said.
“As of Saturday evening, three victims were in critical condition and four were stable,” the post states.
Allen Mayor Ken Fulk called it a “tragic day for the city of Allen, our citizens, our friends and visitors who were at the Allen Premium Outlets” in a statement Saturday.
“We are a strong and caring community, and we want all of the victims and their families impacted by this tragedy to know that we will wrap our arms around you, and we are here for you,” Fulk said. “The city of Allen pledges to offer our complete support. We know you are grieving, we are grieving. Rest assured, the nation and the world are also grieving.”
An officer responding to an unrelated call in the area heard gunshots at 3:36 p.m. at Allen Premium Outlets, according to Allen police.
“The officer engaged the suspect and neutralized the threat. He then called for emergency personnel,” the Facebook post states.
Police initially said nine people were transported to local hospitals but couldn’t confirm how many others died.
“Our hearts are with the individuals and families impacted by this tragic event,” the post states.
A statement from Medical City Healthcare said the hospital treated eight mall shooting victims, who ranged in age from 5 to 61.
Police say there is no longer an active threat at the mall.
“Allen is a proud and safe city which makes today’s senseless act of violence even more shocking,” Fulk said. “However, I want to commend our police and fire departments for their quick response. Their thorough training not to hesitate to move toward the threat likely saved more lives today.”
Allen is located in north central Texas, roughly 25 miles north of Dallas.
Gephardt Daily will update this story as more information becomes available.
