UPDATE: The death rose to 22 after a mass shooting on last Saturday at a Walmart in El Paso, TX, according to police in the Texas border town.
Officials updated totals to 22 killed and 25 injured. The quick, devastating violence left the city reeling – El Paso had only 23 homicides in all of last year.
The scene unfolded as police responded in the early afternoon to an active shooter scene at the Cielo Vista Mall, which is near Interstate 10 on east side of the city, and were advising people to stay away from the area. Witness Ray Holgin told CBS News that he was about to go into the Walmart when he heard at least 10 gunshots. He said he thought he saw at least two people with guns. Holgin told CBS News that he saw at least one person, an elderly lady, fall to the ground, but he’s not sure if she was shot.
El Paso Police Department Sgt. Robert Gomez said that “we have ruled out multiple shooters,” adding, “We have no information … about what the motive is.”
Shooter used AK rifle
A still from a CCTV camera has emerged online showing a suspect entering the Walmart wielding an AK-style rifle, misleadingly referred to as “AK-47” in the media. The man is sporting military-style cargo pants, black T-shirt and shooting ear protection.
Multiple victims feared dead
Local media initially reported that at least 18 people were “shot” during the rampage, with their condition unclear. Later reports claimed that as many people have been killed, if not more, with one alleged count claiming 18 adults and 4 children have been killed. Media sources talked about around twenty people taken to hospital.
Multiple casualties in Walmart mass shooting in El Paso, Texas – reports
The shooting began to unfold at the Cielos Vista Mall area around 11am local time on Saturday, but more than an hour later, local law enforcement reported the scene was “still active.”
Police said it received reports of “multiple shooters” and was “conducting search of a very large area.”
Some witness accounts claim that a man armed with an AK-style rifle began shooting outside the Walmart and then went on a rampage inside the store. Others suggest that at least two or more attackers were at the scene.
WalMart said in a statement:
“We’re in shock over the tragic events at Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, where store 2201 & club 6502 are located. We’re praying for the victims, the community & our associates, as well as the first responders. We’re working closely with law enforcement & will update as appropriate.”
BREAKING: Police are advising everyone avoid the Cielo Vista area as an active shooter alert is in effect near the Cielo Vista Mall area #ElPaso #ElPasoShooting pic.twitter.com/cNpa5Z90Rd
— Jorge Salgado (@SalgadoPhoto_) August 3, 2019
#Update: More police and rescue crews arriving at the scene, where a shooting took place in and out the El Paso #Walmart near the Cielo Vista Mall in #Texas. pic.twitter.com/WBJKpjYg9A
— Sotiri Dimpinoudis (@sotiridi) August 3, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and their families.
