A lone gunman has been taken into custody after a shooting at an El Paso Walmart Saturday morning that at least twenty people dead and another 26 injured, police said.
Reports of a shooter began pouring in to the El Paso Police Department just after 10:00 a.m. local time. Video posted to social media showed people inside stores being escorted out by police with their hands above their head.
"Scene is still active," the department wrote. Initial reports to police indicated there were more than one shooter, however police discounted this later after one person was taken into custody. The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s. He was identified as 21-year-old Patrick Crusius from Allen, Texas.
Eleven people were taken to a local hospital University Medical Center of El Paso, police did not release how many people were killed in the incident.
Three businesses in the area were placed on lockdown following reports of the shooting.
Three employees were able to escape to a nearby Landry's Seafood house which was placed on lockdown, restaurant manager Oscar Collazo told CNN. Two other nearby restaurants, Hooters and Red Lobster were also placed on lockdown.
Video posted to social media showed shoppers inside a JCPenny as it was being evacuated.
A spokesman at the University Medical Center of El Paso said the hospital received 13 victims, ranging in ages from 2 to senior citizens.
"We do not have a status for all patients to report at this time. Families of victims are arriving at UMC and are being assisted by UMC staff and counselors. "This is a terrible tragedy and we are doing everything possible to treat and care for the victims and assist their families,” said Jacob Cintron, UMC President & CEO.
Walmart tweeted a statement about the shooting at their El Paso location:
"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."
President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences for the shooting:
"Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!"
The shooting comes less than a week after a gunman snuck into the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California and killed three people and injured another twelve people at a festival and two days after two people were shot and killed in a Walmart store in Southaven, Mississippi.
Photo: Getty Images
This is a breaking news update. More details will be added as they become available.