USA: at least 8 dead and 7 injured in shooting at Texas mall

Last Saturday, May 6, a shooting at a shopping mall in the city of Allen, Texas, left at least 8 people dead and 7 wounded. The shooting occurred at Allen Premium Outlets and according to local authorities, the shooter was neutralized by a police officer who was at the mall after an unrelated call.

The first shots were heard around 3:40 p.m., at which time the first calls for help were recorded. Immediately after, more than 30 police vehicles showed up at the scene and officers assisted in evacuating civilians, also asking them to stay away from the area while the situation was brought under control.

Six people and the attacker were found dead at the scene, while nine were transported to hospitals and two of them died at the medical center. Videos posted on social media show blood stains and at least four white sheets covering bodies.

The investigation is still ongoing and the attacker's motives are unknown. So far, it is only known that the man arrived in his car after 3:00 p.m. and stopped at the local H&M store. Immediately after, he got out of his vehicle and opened fire indiscriminately on people.

The Texas shooting is the 198th so far this year in the United States, making it the highest number for this month since 2016. Gun attacks are becoming increasingly common in the country and gun control remains a contentious issue in American society.

The Allen Police Department continues to work on the investigation of the shooting and will provide more information in the coming hours. In the meantime, local authorities and the families of the victims mourn the tragic loss of life in a violent event that once again shakes the country.