Texas Walmart Mass Shooting: 20 killed in suspected hate crime
At least 20 people have been killed and 26 others injured in a mass shooting at a packed Walmart store in the El Paso city of Texas in the US. The attack took place at a Walmart at the city's Cielo Vista Mall, which is near the US-Mexican border. The suspect has been arrested by the El Paso Police. Here's more.
'One of the most deadly days in history of Texas'
Confirming the death toll, Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the latest mass shooting in the US, which is being treated as a potential "hate crime", as "one of the most deadly days in the history of Texas." The suspect has been identified as a 21-year-old man named Patrick Crusius, police said. He is reportedly a resident of Allen in Texas.
Manifesto indicates a nexus to a hate crime: Police
El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen said a manifesto, purportedly written by the attacker, "indicates to some degree it has a nexus to a hate crime." He added, "Right now we have to validate for a certainty that this was the manifesto from this individual."
Unite in support of victims, their family: Governor Abbott
"Twenty innocent people from El Paso have lost their lives," Governor Abbott said. "We as a state unite in support of these victims and their family members... We pray that God can be with those who have been harmed in any way and bind up their wounds," he added. Reports said victims of ages between two to 82 years were being treated at hospitals.
'An act of cowardice': US President Trump condemns the shooting
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to condemn the El Paso Walmart mass shooting. "Today's shooting in El Paso, Texas was not only tragic, it was an act of cowardice," he tweeted. "I know that I stand with everyone in this Country to condemn today's hateful act. There are no reasons or excuses that will ever justify killing innocent people," he added.
Here's what President Trump tweeted
Second shooting at a Walmart store within a week
El Paso Mayor Dee Margo said, "It's a very tragic situation, it's not something El Paso would expect." It is the second shooting at a Walmart store within a week. On Tuesday, a suspended employee shot and killed two other employees at a Walmart in Mississippi. The incident also comes less than a week after the shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California.
My heart aches for community in El Paso: Walmart CEO
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, in an Instagram post, said, "I can't believe I'm sending a note like this twice in one week." "My heart aches for the community in El Paso, especially the associates and customers at store 2201 and the families of the victims of today's tragedy. I'm praying for them and I hope you will join me," he posted.
