9 Dead, Several Hospitalized After Allen Outlet Mall Shooting: Police

ALLEN, TX — A shooting at Allen Premium Outlets on Saturday afternoon left nine people dead including the gunman and others injured, officials said.

Seven people, including the as-yet unidentified suspect, died at the scene according to police. Nine people were transported to regional hospitals, where two later died. As of Saturday evening, three of the victims are in critical condition and two are in stale condition.

The gunman stepped out of a silver sedan and began shooting people after 3:30 p.m., sending hundreds of shoppers fleeing in panic.

Witnesses told The Associated Press they saw multiple victims, including some who appeared to be children, and that they saw a police officer and a mall security guard who appeared to be unconscious on the ground. Police have not provided additional information about the victims as of 10:30 p.m. Saturday.

An Allen Police officer who was on an unrelated call heard gunshots at 3:36 p.m., then "engaged the suspect and neutralized the threat" according to the police department.

Officials said the shooter appeared to have acted alone according to WFAA-TV.

The Allen officer called for further emergency services, and several other agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) responded.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the shooting, or who has video footage, to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

Allen Police said the active shooter threat had cleared shortly before 7 p.m.

The city in Collin County is approximately 25 miles north of downtown Dallas.

A crowd of hundreds of people who had been shopping stood across the street from the mall Saturday evening. Officers circulated among them, asking if anyone had seen what happened.

Allen Mayor Ken Fulk said that President Joe Biden and Gov. Greg Abbott had called him to express their support and willingness to help the community.

"Allen is a proud and safe city which makes today’s senseless act of violence even more shocking," said Fulk.

"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."

The governor and local legislators offered their prayers and resources.

"Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy," Abbott said in a statement.

U.S. Rep Keith Self (R-TX-3) also said his prayers are with the victims, their families, and "all law enforcement on the scene."

"We are devestated (sic) by the tragic news of the shootings that took place at the Allen Premium Outlets today," Self posted on Twitter.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R) said he and his wife Heidi are praying for the families of the victims, and for the broader Collin County community "that’s in shock from this tragedy."

"Thank you to the incredible law enforcement who put a stop to the monster who committed this act of evil," Cruz continued.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.