A Texas police officer is being praised for his heroism after taking down a mall shooter in Allen, Texas, who killed eight people and injured several others on Saturday.
The attorney representing the officer, Zach Horn, shared an update following the tragic events.
Attorney praises ‘brave servant’ police officer who stopped Texas mall shooter: report https://t.co/v1XkIhTWlL
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 9, 2023
"The officer sprinted towards high-power rifle fire as everyone else ran away," Horn said.
"He's a brave servant with a gentle heart that embodies the best the law enforcement profession has to offer," he added.
- Officer at the scene for unrelated call was the one who took down gunmanhttps://t.co/3ZjWFy2SkF
— The Independent (@Independent) May 7, 2023
"The officer was at the mall in Allen, Texas, for an unrelated incident when gunman Mauricio Garcia, 33, opened fire killing eight innocent shopppers on Saturday afternoon. Garcia was shot dead by the officer," the Independent reported.
"The motive remains unknown but a social media profile, reviewed by The Independent, reveals that he stalked the mall in the weeks before the shooting to identify peak visitation times," it added.
Three of the victims were small children, with the identities of the victims now being identified in the mass shooting.
The shooting marks more than 200 mass shootings nationwide in 2023, the highest recorded, as the nation seeks ways to curb gun violence.
The 33-year-old shooter was previously discharged from the military and had weapons training as a security guard, carrying an AR-15-like rifle, several magazines of ammunition and at least one other firearm.
The tragic loss of life was stopped from being worse by the officer's brave actions that likely saved the lives of many others. Praise from the governor and others in Texas and beyond continue to show appreciate for the officer and all who serve in law enforcement.
