ALLEN (CBSNewsTexas.com) — Elected leaders representing the city of Allen discuss the deadly mass shooting at the mall there.
In a news conference Saturday night, lawmakers said they are grieving for the families of the victims.
State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-McKinney, said, “There are many, many people in our community tonight who are hurting, whose lives have been broken and who need and deserve our collected prayers.”
U.S. Rep. Keith Self, R-McKinney, said, “We’ll never know how many lives were saved by the quick actions of our first responders. What we do know is that we owe a debt of gratitude to the first responders who rushed to to the shot..”
State Sen. Angela Paxton, who also represents the city of Allen, tweeted a statement that read in part, “We will never get over something like this, but we will if we stand by each other.”
My heart goes out to the victims of today’s horrific tragedy in Allen. Please join me in praying for the victims, their families and all those involved. This was shocking news for our community and we are paying close attention to the situation. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/d2TTaz1Ovr
— Senator Angela Paxton (@AngelaPaxtonTX) May 7, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement saying, “I have been in contact with Mayor Fulk and DPS Director McCraw as well as other state and local leaders and have offered the full support of the state of Texas to local officials “.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement, “Please join me in mourning the victims of the unspeakable tragedy in Allen. We are grateful to our brave first responders who were deployed to stop the shooter.”
Senator John Cornyn tweeted: “I am grieving with the community of Allen tonight and send my thanks to the brave Allen police officers, Collin County first responders and all involved in responding to the horrific incident this afternoon.”
I mourn with the Allen community tonight and send my thanks to the brave @Allen_Police officers, Collin County first responders and all involved in the response to this afternoon’s horrific incident.
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) May 7, 2023
Senator Ted Cruz tweeted: “My team is in contact with local officials and I have offered all necessary support to bring justice and help to those in need.”
Heidi and I are praying for the families of the victims of the horrific mall shooting in Allen, Texas. We are also praying for the wider Collin County community in shock over this tragedy.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) May 7, 2023
State Rep. Rhetta Bowers, D-Garland, issued a statement that said in part, “It goes without saying that these tragedies will continue to happen until Texas enacts common sense gun safety reforms and invests in mental and social health . safety net.”
It is still early in the investigation and law enforcement officials have not said what weapon the gunman used or what led to the shooting. It comes nearly a year after the deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
Guns have been a topic of debate at the Texas Capitol during the regular legislative session.
State Sen. Roland Gutiérrez, D-San Antonio, who represents Uvalde, has introduced a series of bills to restrict gun sales. None of them have been heard by the committee.
In the House, a bill to raise the age someone can buy an AR-style rifle from 18 to 21 received a committee hearing, but has been shelved.
With three weeks left in the session, neither bill is likely to pass Republican majorities in both chambers.
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Jack Fink
