ALLEN, Texas — The White House, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and others have issued statements following the news of a deadly shooting at Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas.
Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement following the shooting, saying in part, "Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy."
Abbott, who planned to visit Allen on Sunday, said he was in contact with city of Allen Mayor Ken Fulk, DPS Director Steven C. McCraw, North Texas law enforcement and city officials "to ensure all needed assistance and resources are swiftly deployed, including DPS officers, Texas Rangers and investigative resources."
President Biden released an extended statement Sunday morning, after White House officials initially said Saturday they were monitoring the shooting development.
Here's the full statement from Biden, who again called for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines:
Jill and I are praying for their families and for others critically injured, and we are grateful to the first responders who acted quickly and courageously to save lives.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement are working closely together to investigate this attack and I have directed federal agencies to provide all needed support.
Yesterday, an assailant in tactical gear armed with an AR-15 style assault weapon gunned down innocent people in a shopping mall, and not for the first time. Such an attack is too shocking to be so familiar. And yet, American communities have suffered roughly 200 mass shootings already this year, according to leading counts. More than 14,000 of our fellow citizens have lost their lives, credible estimates show. The leading cause of death for American kids is gun violence.
Since I signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law and took two dozen executive actions to stem the tide of gun violence, we have made some progress. States are banning assault weapons, expanding red flag laws and more — but it’s not enough. We need more action, faster to save lives.
Too many families have empty chairs at their dinner tables. Republican Members of Congress cannot continue to meet this epidemic with a shrug. Tweeted thoughts and prayers are not enough.
Once again I ask Congress to send me a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Enacting universal background checks. Requiring safe storage. Ending immunity for gun manufacturers. I will sign it immediately. We need nothing less to keep our streets safe.
Senator Ted Cruz wrote in a tweet that he and his wife are praying for the victims of the shooting and the broader Collin County community.
My team is in contact with local officials, and I have offered whatever support is needed to do justice and help those in need," Cruz wrote. "Thank you to the incredible law enforcement who put a stop to the monster who committed this act of evil."
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, who recently announced he is challenging for Cruz's Senatorial seat, reacted to the shooting in a tweet Saturday evening.
"Families like mine out shopping on a Saturday will forever be changed by this awful tragedy," Allred wrote. "Some will not make it home. Aly and I are praying for all impacted by this."
U.S. Rep. Keith Self for Texas's 3rd congressional district, which includes Collin County, also issued a statement on his social pages.
In a tweet, Self said, "We are devastated by the tragic news of the shootings that took place at the Allen Premium Outlets today. Our prayers are with the victims and their families and all law enforcement on the scene."
Self added that Allen PD has "full control of the scene."
The office of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson called the event a horrific and devastating tragedy in a tweet.