ALLEN, TEXAS — A gunman opened fire at a shopping mall near Dallas, Texas, killing eight people and wounding seven Saturday, according to authorities.
The gunfire erupted around 3:30 p.m. at the Allen Premium Outlets as throngs of shoppers filled the outdoor mall, which is about 25 miles north of Dallas and has more than 120 stores.
Nine people, including the gunman, were pronounced dead at the mall. Officials could account for at least seven people who were transported to hospitals, but more victims may have been taken in private vehicles
Police have not yet released information about the identities of the victims. However, Children are believed to be among the victims, according to people who exited the mall afterwards.
A spokesman for Medical City Healthcare, which was treating several victims at three trauma facilities, said the ages of the injured ranged from 5 to 61.
Officials say the shooter was shot to death by a police officer who was on an unrelated assignment at the mall at the time of the shooting, heard gunfire, rushed toward it, and killed the gunman.
The mass shooter who shot up the mall in Texas has been identified as a HISPANIC male who apparently was a part of a gang.
A photo circulating on social media appeared to show the gunman, lying on the ground, clad in black and equipped with what appeared to be a tactical vest, multiple rounds of ammunition, and a long gun.
Videos circulating on social media show people dashing for shelter or running through a parking lot as loud popping noises can be heard in the background.
Saturday’s incident is the latest in an unprecedented rash of mass shootings this year.
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