One Dead, Nine Hospitalized Following Texas Shooting/Image@ BBC
A shooting incident on Friday has left one person dead and nine others hospitalized, according to local authorities.
Police initially engaged in a standoff with the shooter, who was later confirmed deceased by early afternoon local time.
The incident unfolded in Midland, a town located approximately 330 miles west of Dallas.
Officials reported a total of 11 victims, including the deceased.
Midland Memorial Hospital treated nine individuals, with four currently undergoing surgery.
Another victim was transported to Odessa Medical Center Hospital, as reported by NBC News.
”My heart aches for the victims and their families,” said Midland Mayor Lori Blong.
”We are praying for everyone affected by today’s tragedy and for the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to safeguard our community.”
The mayor noted that police received the first reports of gunfire at 8:03 a.m. local time (14:03 GMT) and responded swiftly to the scene.
The standoff with the suspect lasted approximately two hours, with the situation beginning in one area of the city before concluding near a veterinary hospital in another location.
Andrea Mendias, an employee at a nearby auto body shop, reported hearing what sounded like at least 40 gunshots during the incident.
SWAT teams and other agencies were deployed to the scene, successfully containing the suspect.
Shortly thereafter, Midland Police announced on social media that the “active shooter incident had been resolved,” confirming the suspect’s death.
Details regarding the shooter have not yet been released, nor has additional information about the victims.
Midland Memorial Hospital stated that five of the victims not in surgery are currently in “stable” condition.
Mayor Blong confirmed that no officers were reported injured during the incident.
”Texans are heartbroken over the news of a shooting in Midland,” Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick expressed on social media.
”Please join Jan and me in prayer for the victims, their families, and the city of Midland. We also ask for prayers for our courageous first responders who risk their safety to protect the community.”
This tragic event marks another instance of gun violence impacting Midland, which experienced a mass shooting six years ago when a disgruntled former employee went on a shooting spree, resulting in seven fatalities and injuring over two dozen individuals.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong