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With helicopters still circling and scores of law enforcement agencies investigating the massive crime scene, officials released the initial death toll from the mass shooting at Walmart and Cielo Vista Mall, putting the toll at 20 dead, and 26 injured.

Governor Abbott, surrounded by elected officials from El Paso, opened the Saturday evening news conference, with ‘Texas grieves today…” as he spoke about the deadly shooting, also confirming the number of fatalities during the morning’s mass shooting at Walmart and Cielo Vista Mall.

Abbott talked about El Pasoans who were lined up at local blood donation centers throughout the city, and praised the strength of the citizens and that would carry the city through the tough times ahead.

Mayor Dee Margo was then handedthe microphone, offering his prayers and thoughts for the El Pasoans killed and injured.  He said the crime was ‘senseless and evil’  and not at all what El Paso was about.

El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen shared that the first call went out at 10:39 p.m. and officers arrived six minutes later at 10:45 a.m. An obviously emotional Allen simply said the entire event was a ‘horrific situation.’

As for the investigative side, Allen mentioned the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Customs and Border Protections for their assistance. The Chief also said that the State of Texas is lead agency in this situation.

“Basically everyone that carried a badge in the El Paso area showed up today,” Allen shared.

Allen also said the crime scene would be ‘in play’ for a long period of time, adding that there were still victims on scene and would remain there until the entire scene is processed.

As for the reason for the crime, Allen said that it was “looking like a hate crime,” pointing to a ‘manifesto’ that the alleged shooter shared on social media.

Chief Allen would only identify him as a ’21-year-old’ male out of Allen, Texas

Then FBI Special Agent in Charge for El Paso Emmerson Buie stated that the bureau would review evidence, and provide overall support for the murder investigation.

At the end of the news conference, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar forcefully intoned that ‘bigotry, hate and racism’ were at the core of this attack; adding that it took someone from  “outside the community to inflict this on us.”

As the press conference drew to a close, Mayor Margo simply said, “We are a special community – this would not have come from an El Pasoan.”

The full news conference is below:

Update 8/3/2019 3:40 p.m.

El Paso Police Department spokesperson Robert Gomez updated the press, saying he knew of at least one death related to the shooting, but quickly added that all the victims, their condition and other information was still not available.

At least 22 victims were transported to local hospitals, where EPPD officials say blood donations are needed.  The public is directed to two locations – 424 South Mesa Hills and 133 North Zaragoza to donate.

Update 8/3/2019 1:40 p.m.

El Paso Police Department spokesperson Robert Gomez, confirms one suspect in custody related to the active shooter situation at Cielo Vista Mall. No confirmation on other suspects, but continue to investigate the scene. They are not ruling out other shooters.

At 10 a.m. 911 received calls from Walmart Cielo Vista area and Cielo Vista Mall.

There are multiple casualties. No confirmation yet on injuries or deaths. The site is being secured.

Families separated during the evacuations from the emergency scenes need to get to MacArthur Elementary at 8101 Whitus Drive. Do not approach the Walmart or Cielo Vista Mall as the investigation is on-going.

EP Locomotive FC postpones Saturday Night Match with Portland Timbers 2

In light of today’s tragedy in El Paso, Texas, tonight’s Locomotive match against Portland Timbers 2 will be postponed until further notice. More information will be disseminated once available. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and our community.

Update 8/3/2019 1:12 p.m.

Tweet from Mayor Dee Margo

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

Update 8/3/2019 12:37 p.m.

 

Update 8/3/2019 12:37 p.m.

Eye witness and Ft. Bliss soldier Glendon Oakly, was inside the mall as the shooting started when a child ran in and alerted to the active shooter.

“We didn’t believe him at first” he said, then he heard the richohet. He went for his concealed weapon and starting helping children out of dangers way.

He said the entire situation reminded him of his time in Afghanistan.

Gateway West @ Hawkins, Police Activity, Right Lane At Cielo Vista Mall Closed, Minor Backup, Clearing Time Until Further Notice.

— EL PASO POLICE DEPT (@EPPOLICE) August 3, 2019

Scene is still Active Avoid the area from Airway to Hawkins North of I-10. Active Shooter.

— EL PASO POLICE DEPT (@EPPOLICE) August 3, 2019

Active Shooting Stay away from Cielo Vista Mall Area. Scene is Still Active.

— EL PASO POLICE DEPT (@EPPOLICE) August 3, 2019

Active Shooter in area of Hawkins and Gateway East. Scene is still active avoid the area. RG limited information.

— EL PASO POLICE DEPT (@EPPOLICE) August 3, 2019