In a tragic incident at the Allen Premium Outlets in Texas, a shooting took place, leaving eight people dead, including a 5-year-old boy.
The shooter, identified as Mauricio Garcia, opened fire on people at the outdoor shopping center using an AR-15 style rifle.
Witnesses described the chaos and fear as they hid behind freezers, fearing for their lives.
Law enforcement officials are investigating the motive behind the shooting.
The FBI is examining Garcia’s social media presence, where he reportedly posted neo-Nazi material.
Authorities also found that Garcia had been discharged from the Army in 2008 due to mental health concerns.
The shooter was eventually stopped by an officer who ran towards the gunfire while responding to a different call.
Garcia was killed during the confrontation.
Law enforcement sources revealed that he was wearing a patch associated with white supremacy, leading investigators to explore potential links to extremist ideology.
A vigil was held to remember the victims who lost their lives and to support those recovering from injuries sustained in the shooting.
As of the latest update, seven people remain hospitalized, with three in critical condition.
This incident marks the 109th mass shooting in the country this year, highlighting the urgent need for action to address gun violence.
President Biden expressed shock and called on Congress to take steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
The community is left grappling with grief and searching for answers as they mourn the lives lost in this senseless act of violence.