By: Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
ABC News 13 in El Paso and ABC News nationally is reporting at least 18 are dead including a 2-year-old following the latest mass shooting in America. One gunman was taken into custody, the police do not believe there are any other shooters involved despite rumors shared via social media.
The police have confirmed a white male in his 20s is in custody. The police are still not officially confirming the casualties and fatalities at this point because some of the victims transported themselves to gain medical attention. According to the police spokesperson, the store had an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 shoppers were present, with more than 100 employees present.
#BREAKING Surveillance photos of El Paso Walmart shooter pic.twitter.com/DdvohmZ3oo
— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) August 3, 2019
The shooting started around 10 a.m. at the store near the Cielo Vista Mall. According to the news station’s report, the shooter possibly using a rifle, begin shooting guests in the parking lot. An eyewitness told ABC News Radio described him as wearing cargo pants and ear protection. According to her, the shooter was “calm and confident like he was on a mission.
One hospital received 11 patients ranging in ages from 2-year-old to 82-years-old. Reportedly a total of 24 individuals were taken to nearby hospitals with injuries which range from non-life-threatening.
Presidential candidate and former Texas congressman Beto O’Rourke canceled his scheduled events in Nevada and California and will immediately return home.
A visibly upset O’Rourke shared with the audience of a candidate forum in Las Vegas that he spoke to his wife right before coming on stage. He said this incident shatters “any illusion that we have that progress is inevitable” in dealing with the on-going gun violence throughout the country.
This is the second shooting at a Walmart this week. Two employees were killed during a shooting at a Mississippi Walmart which appeared to be a disgruntled employee. Also, three individuals were killed during a mass shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California last Sunday.
