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A shooting in the food court area inside Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso has left one person dead and three wounded. Two of the wounded are hospitalized at nearby University Medical Center in critical condition. Another victim is at Del Sol Medical Center in fair condition. Two people are in custody.
Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene as mall customers scrambled to safety. Police cleared as many people out of the mall as possible before saying it was no longer an active shooter situation.
"I spoke to Mayor Leeser about the shooting tonight in El Paso. l offered the full support of the State of Texas, including the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Division of Emergency Management to help the city of El Paso respond to this tragic event," said Governor Greg Abbott. "Thank you to all law enforcement and first responders who quickly went into action to protect their fellow Texans."
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar took to Twitter to call on Governor Abbott to take action to stop future cases of gun violence. "How about gun violence prevention legislation for our community’s security? You promised you would take action after the August 3rd shooting and you’ve done nothing but loosen gun laws," said Escobar. "The legislature is in session. Be a man of your word for once and do something!"
"No community should have to endure the same nightmare twice," said Representative Tony Gonzales. "There is no place in America for this kind of hate."
Gonzales was referencing the 2019 shooting massacre that took place at the nearby Walmart adjacent to the mall that left 23 people dead and more than 20 injured.
"I'm disappointed to hear about the shooting that took place in Cielo Vista Mall this evening. In a community that has been tragically struck by gun violence, today's events open unhealed wounds. Praying for the deceased victim & those injured," said Texas State Senator Cesar Blanco. "Thank you to all law enforcement officers and first responders who quickly responded to the scene and are working to keep our community safe."