A mall north of Dallas, Texas, was the site of a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of eight innocent people. Eyewitnesses reported that the shooter fired indiscriminately at passersby, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of mallgoers. Police eventually shot the gunman dead, believing him to have acted alone. Some of the casualties were children, and at least seven others were hospitalized, three of whom remain in critical condition. The shooting sparked outrage from politicians, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott calling it an “unspeakable tragedy.” So far in 2023, the US has seen at least 198 mass shootings in which four or more people were killed or wounded, according to the Gun Violence Archive. This is the highest number at this point in the year since at least 2016. Eyewitnesses at the mall recounted hearing shots ring out and seeing the shooter dressed in black combat gear. Despite the tragedy, officials praised the swift response of emergency services for likely preventing even more loss of life.
