Lone Star Heartbreak: Shooting at El Paso shopping mall leaves one dead, three injured amid nationwide crime spike

A shooting inside a shopping mall in El Paso, Texas on Wednesday evening left one person dead and three others injured, according to police. 

Police responded to several reports of a shooting in the foot court and the Dillard’s Department Store at the Cielo Vista Mall shortly after 5 p.m.

BREAKING SHOOTING: Active shooter reported at Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas. Multiple people injured. One person dead. pic.twitter.com/QoeOjuPeLr

— That Guy Shane (@ProfanityNewz) February 16, 2023

“We have one person in custody. We do believe there could be one outstanding. That’s why the extensive search of the mall is being done right now,” said Sgt. Robert Gomez of the El Paso Police Department.

Police are working to clear the mall. However, given the size of the shopping center, Gomez said it would “take some time to clear.”

“It was chaotic. People did flee. They were scared,” Gomez added. 

Police recovered a weapon at the scene, however, they did not disclose more information. Authorities have not commented on the possible motive. 

“It’s too early to speculate on a motive,” Gomez said.

The three individuals that were injured were transported to a hospital. Two of the victims were in critical condition, according to the Director of Public Affairs for the University Medical Center El Paso, Ryan Mielke. 

The shooting took place across a Walmart parking lot where 23 people were killed in an attack in 2019 that was targeting Latinos. 

This is a developing story.  

VIDEO: El Paso police are investigating a shooting Wednesday evening at the food court inside Cielo Vista Mall, officials said. pic.twitter.com/nv8q0mUeIY

— Aaron Martinez (@AMartinezEPT) February 16, 2023