At Least 20 Dead After Horrific El Paso Walmart Shooting [UPDATING]

Update, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET: According to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, 20 people were killed at the El Paso Walmart mass shooting, and over two dozen more were injured. NBC News reported that 26 others were injured.

NBC also noted that suspect Patrick Crusius apparently was taken into custody without law enforcement officers firing a single shot.

Update, Saturday, 5:30 p.m. ET: Citing three sources, CNN has reported the identity of the suspect as 21-year-old Patrick Crusius of Allen, TX, which is about a 10-hour drive from the location of the mass shooting.

CNN also noted that authorities are looking into a so-called manifesto that was circulated online a few days ago and might have been written by the shooter. Authorities have not yet confirmed that Crusius is the author. But NBC News reported that authorities are “reasonably confident” Crusius posted the text on the extremist online forum 8chan.

The manifesto refers to the “Hispanic invasion of Texas” and praises the perpetrator of the mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand, last March. Of note, authorities in New Zealand later banned a manifesto posted online by the white supremacist who carried out the mass killings.

The latest screed also describes a weapon that is similar to the one used in Saturday’s attack.

Sgt. Robert Gómez of the El Paso Police Department confirmed that the suspect in custody is a white male in his 20s. He said 1,000-3,000 shoppers were in the mall at the time, along with over 100 employees.

The area has been locked down, and a criminal investigation is underway.

“We don’t feel there is a threat to the public or there are any other shooters at this time.”

Gómez also confirmed several fatalities but did not provide a number of victims.

The El Paso Police Department put out a call for badly needed blood donations:

One witness, who was in the store shopping for a toy for his 7-year-old son, said the gunman “started shooting everyone, aisle by aisle, with rage,” the Daily Beast reported.

Update, Saturday, 4:11 p.m. ET: According to Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, a 21-year-old male is in custody and suspected of carrying out a mass shooting that has resulted in dozens of injuries and multiple fatalities.

According to reports, the shooting began in the parking lot area outside a Walmart in El Paso, TX.

A witness told The Washington Post she saw the shooting begin outside the Walmart and caught a glimpse of the shooter.

“My mom yelled, ‘Just go! Speed and just go!’ but of course there were people trying to dodge the bullets and running through the parking lot,” 37-year-old El Paso resident Vanessa Saenz told the newspaper.

She said the shooter wore dark cargo pants, a black T-shirt, and earmuffs.

That description appears to match photos published by local NBC News affiliate KTSM 9 News of an alleged suspect entering the store, weapon raised. In those photos, which KTSM said were confirmed through a law enforcement source, a gunman is seen carrying an AK-47-style assault rifle. Splinter has not independently confirmed the authenticity of those photos.

Horrific videos circulating on social media showed the chaotic aftermath of the attack. One video taken by Joshua Anthony shows people hiding underneath tables at a McDonald’s inside the Walmart during the shooting, according to Fox News. Loud, rapid gunfire can be heard nearby.

Warning, this video is disturbing:

President Donald Trump tweeted about the attack on Saturday afternoon:

Update, Saturday, 3:40 p.m. ET: Sgt. Robert Gómez of the El Paso Police Department said one male suspect is in custody and the “scene is starting to become secure.”

He confirmed there are multiple casualties after several reports of gunfire in various locations, including at the local Walmart and the adjacent two-story Cielo Vista Mall.

Initial reports indicated that the weapon used was a type of rifle, according to Gómez.

Several federal law enforcement agencies are on the scene working with local authorities.

Update, Saturday, 3:16 p.m. ET: CNN, citing local police, reported that multiple people were killed in the El Paso Walmart shooting, the second mass shooting in the United States in less than a week.

CNN also reported that 22 people were injured. Several were taken to a local hospital. Officials have not yet confirmed the number of people who were killed, however.

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke delivered an emotional statement on Saturday afternoon asking “for everyone’s strength for El Paso right now.” He said he planned to return immediately to the city to be with his family.

Update, Saturday, 2:56 p.m. ET: Sgt. Enrique Carrillo of the El Paso Police Department said that currently there is “no active shooter.”

“But that’s not to say that we’ve rendered the scene safe at this time,” he added.

A family reunification site was established at a local school near the Walmart.

Update, Saturday, 2:40 p.m. ET: NBC News affiliate KTSM has reported that several people were shot inside the local Walmart, although the exact number has not been confirmed by authorities.

CNN also reported, citing the mayor’s office, that police have at least one suspect in custody.

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The El Paso Police Department in Texas has warned of an active shooter incident near the Cielo Vista Mall and is asking local residents to stay away from the area.

Few details are available so far, but several SWAT team members reportedly have been sent to the area.

WOAI News Radio reported that multiple shots were fired at a Walmart near the mall.

The El Paso Police Department tweeted: “Scene is still Active Avoid the area from Airway to Hawkins North of I-10. Active Shooter.”

CNN reported that multiple nearby businesses currently are on lockdown. A local restaurant manager told the network that three Walmart employees had sought refuge in the restaurant.

Witnesses also said they had seen several police officers and helicopters, along with many people running.

People inside the mall at the time of the shooting were gathered outside, underneath a group of trees, but were not allowed to leave, local NBC News affiliate KTSM reported.

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke, who previously represented Texas’ 16th congressional district, which includes El Paso, called the news “Truly heartbreaking.”

Gov. Greg Abbott called the incident a “tragedy”:

Police also reportedly shut down a town hall held by Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar due to security concerns.

This story is developing and will be updated as more details become available.