Graphic video of Allen mass shooting sparks outrage after it goes viral
ALLEN, TEXAS: A disturbing video posted on social media appeared to show the bodies of several victims laying on the ground after a gunman opened fire at a crowded mall on Saturday, May 6. The Allen mass shooting killed at least eight people before a police officer neutralized him.
Brian E Harvey, the chief of police in Allen, Texas, did not identify the gunman at a news conference Saturday night. However, he said the perp acted alone and that a police officer, who was on an unrelated assignment at the mall at the time of the shooting, heard the gunshots ring out and immediately rushed toward it before killing the gunman. At least seven were injured and their ages ranged from 5 to 61, according to a spokesman for Medical City Healthcare, which was treating several victims at three trauma facilities.
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The gunfire reportedly erupted around 3.30 pm at the Allen Premium Outlets which was crowded with mallgoers over the weekend. Several videos circulating on social media showed people scrambling for shelter as loud popping noises are heard in the background. Seven people including the gunman were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials could account for at least nine people who were rushed to hospitals, but the Allen fire chief, Jonathan Boyd, said more victims may have been taken in private vehicles. Two of those victims died later, while three were in critical condition and four were stable.
One particularly shocking video circulating online sparked outrage and despair across the board. It showed a group of victims who were possibly dead lying in a pool of their own blood. Some of the victims appeared to be minors. The heartwrenching clip -- captioned 'How many more until we DO SOMETHING?' -- caused a stir on social media. Many offered messages of solidarity and condolences while others called out the gun lobby and demanded strong gun control measures to be implemented immediately.
Another viral video appeared to show the gunman lying on the ground while clad in black tactical gear and equipped with multiple rounds of ammunition and a long firearm. “We all want 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,” Mayor of Allen Ken Fulk said at a news conference. “We know you are grieving. We are grieving. Rest assured, the nation and the world are also grieving. Allen is a proud and safe city, which makes today’s senseless act of violence even more shocking.”
The mayor explained that law enforcement officers had been trained to not "hesitate to move toward the threat,” which likely saved more lives. It's worth noting that Saturday's massacre is only the second-deadliest shooting of the year -- after a gunman shot and killed 11 people in a ballroom in Monterey Park, California on January 21, according to The New York Times.