Several people, including three members of law enforcement, were shot this Saturday at a movie theater and on a highway in West Texas. It was reported that at least five people were killed.
The Midland Police Department posted on Facebook that officers were searching for two suspects along Interstate 20 in Texas. Initially, it was indicated that only one shooter was involved in the shootings.
“We believe there are two shooters in two separate vehicles. One suspect is believed to be at the Cinergy [theater] in Midland and the other is believed to be driving on Loop 250 in Midland. The two vehicles in question are gold/white small Toyota truck and a USPS Postal Van. Please stay away from these areas and stay indoors,” police wrote.
After the first statement, the police said that they were investigating if a second shooter was active following the death of one suspect at the Cinergy theater. Representatives for Home Depot informed The Hill that reports of a shooting at the chain’s Odessa location were inaccurate.
“It has been confirmed that the active shooter was shot and killed at the Cinergy in Odessa. There is no active shooter at this time. All agencies are investigating reports of possible suspects,” police said.
The mayor, Jerry Morales, told The New York Times that two people were killed in the shooting, also adding that the suspect shot “at random people.”
“They are shooting at random,” he told the newspaper. “We have two fatalities and up to 20 injuries.”
Those numbers showed that 21 people injured and five dead. The suspect was not included in the victim count.
Morales also told the Times that one suspect, who was wounded by police, had been apprehended: “One suspect is in custody. I’m not sure if he is alive.”
Midland police later confirmed that the suspect at the Cinergy movie theater was killed by police.
“It has been confirmed that the active shooter was shot and killed at the Cinergy in Odessa. There is no active shooter at this time. All agencies are investigating reports of possible suspects,” police said.
“A subject (possibly 2) is currently driving around Odessa shooting at random people. At this time there are multiple gunshot victims,” added Odessa police in a previous Facebook post.
“The suspect just hijacked a U.S. mail carrier truck and was last seen in the area of 38th and Walnut. Everyone is encouraged to get off the road and use extreme caution! All law enforcement is currently searching for the suspect and more information will be released as soon as it becomes available,” the post continued.
“We believe there are two shooters in two separate vehicles. One suspect is believed to be at the Cinergy [theater] in Midland and the other is believed to be driving on Loop 250 in Midland. The two vehicles in question are gold/white small Toyota truck and a USPS Postal Van. Please stay away from these areas and stay indoors,” police wrote.
In a second statement later Saturday, Midland police said:
“It has been confirmed that the active shooter was shot and killed at the Cinergy in Odessa. There is no active shooter at this time. All agencies are investigating reports of possible suspects.”
The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, were assisting in the investigation, according to a statement from the Justice Department.
“Attorney General Barr is monitoring the shooting situation in West Texas. @ATFDallas and @FBISanAntonio deploying teams and providing resources. @USAttyBash @TheJusticeDept,” a spokeswoman tweeted.
In a statement Saturday evening, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) wrote:
“The state of Texas and the Department of Public Safety are working closely with local law enforcement to provide resources as needed and deliver justice for this heinous attack. I thank the first responders who have acted swiftly and admirably under pressure, and I want to remind all Texans that we will not allow the Lone Star State to be overrun by hatred and violence. We will unite, as Texans always do, to respond to this tragedy.”
President Trump also tweeted on Saturday regarding the shooting:
“Vice President Mike Pence also spoke to reporters Saturday evening and added that Trump was ‘closely monitoring’ the investigation.”
“I just spoke to the President and he’s at Camp David and he’s closely monitoring the developments in the investigation in the mass shooting in Odessa. Our hearts go out to all the victims, families who had loved ones lose their lives,” Pence said.
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