President Donald Trump reacted to the mass shooting at a Texas Walmart on Aug. 3 that left 20 people dead and 26 injured.
“Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed,” Trump said. “Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!”
Earlier, the White House confirmed that Trump was briefed about the situation and was monitoring the situation. It added that the president had spoken to Attorney General William Barr and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
A police official said earlier on Aug. 3 that more than 20 people were left dead or wounded. Witnesses reported multiple shooters entering the grocery store chain near Cielo Vista Mall and opened fire at shoppers.
The El Paso Police Department said one suspect was in custody.
According to the media outlet, the shooter entered the store at around 10 a.m. local time.
Police said the scene was mostly contained but remained active around the mall. However, El Paso police spokesman Enrique Carrillo said there was no threat to the public.
“There’s no active shooter currently, but that isn’t to say we’ve rendered the scene safe at this time,” Carrillo told reporters.
WalMart said in a statement: “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.”
Governor Abbott has also released a statement on the shooting, calling it a “heinous and senseless act of violence.”
“Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific shooting and to the entire community in this time of loss,” Abbott said. “While no words can provide the solace needed for those impacted by this event, I ask that all Texans join Cecilia and me in offering our prayers for the victims and their families.”
He said the state of Texas and the Department of Public Safety are assisting the El Paso Police Department during the investigation.
“We have deployed troopers, special agents, Texas Rangers, tactical teams, and aircraft to the scene in a support role. The state of Texas will do everything it can to ensure justice is delivered to the perpetrators of this heinous act,” he said.
Some of them were pronounced dead, he added.
Video footage showed at least four ambulances near the Walmart and, later, multiple ambulances pulled into the hospital.
“Family members who are here may actually have family members at other hospitals, such as Del Sol,” Mielke added.
