20 Dead & Two Dozen Injured After Shooting At An El Paso, TX Walmart

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20 were killed in a shooting at an El Paso, TX Walmart near the Cielo Vista Mall on Saturday afternoon, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a report from the Wall Street Journal. Two dozen more were injured. Police said the shooting began around 10 a.m. local time; as of 2 p.m. local time, officials said the area was no longer an active threat. Police Sgt. Enrique Castillo said that there were multiple reports of shots fired, both in Walmart and in the mall, in a press briefing. Castillo told the press that the police had one suspect in custody, Patrick Crusius, a white man who is 21-years-old.

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Scene is still Active. We have multi reports of multiple shooters. Please avoid area police conducting search of a very large area. Media staging will be given when area is secure.
— EL PASO POLICE DEPT (@EPPOLICE) August 3, 2019

Olivia Zepeda, chief of staff to El Paso's mayor, said multiple people were killed, according to CNN. Castillo also said multiple victims were heading to local hospitals, which Del Sol Medical Center spokesperson Victor Guerrero confirmed to CNN, saying that 11 people were transferred there. An additional 10 people were taken to the University Medical Center of El Paso, a spokesperson told NBC News. The police have not yet released the number injured or killed but the Associated Press confirms that local hospitals are treating at least 22 victims., El Paso Children’s Hospital with two more at A UMC spokesperson told AP that one victim died at the hosptial. Police officials said in a tweet that blood donations are needed "urgently."

The city's mayor confirmed in a statement that there were "several fatalities."

Adair and I are devastated by the tragic events unfolding in our City. Our hearts go out to the victims and gratitude to our first responders. We will continue to keep you updated. pic.twitter.com/AKzgwtVWgs
— Mayor Dee Margo (@mayor_margo) August 3, 2019

According to Gov. Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety and federal law enforcement were on sent to assist local law enforcement. In a statement, Abbott said that Texas Rangers, troopers, special agents, tactical teams, and aircrafts were also deployed by the state "in a support role."

Statement on shooting in El Paso: pic.twitter.com/hsCXYGNLGg
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) August 3, 2019

President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident and tweeted his condolences.

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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2019

Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar, who represents El Paso, said she is monitoring the situation.

Utterly heartbroken by the developing news in El Paso. Monitoring the situation and in communication with our law enforcement. Please stay safe.
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) August 3, 2019

Former congressman and presidential hopeful Beto O'Rourke, who resides in El Paso, urged the city to stay safe. And in a televised statement, O'Rourke announced he was returning to the city immediately. He held back tears as he discussed the shooting, saying, "We know that [there's] a lot of injury, a lot of suffering in El Paso right now, and I'm incredibly saddened, it's very hard to think about this."

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Truly heartbreaking. Stay safe, El Paso. Please follow all directions of emergency personnel as we continue to get more updates. https://t.co/BU0AH6Y8Rv
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) August 3, 2019

Walmart acknowledged the shooting in a statement, saying the company is "in shock" and working with law enforcement.

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.
— Walmart (@Walmart) August 3, 2019

This is a breaking news story. We will update with additional details as they become available.