The City of Allen rarely sees tragedies of this magnitude unfold, and what happened Saturday, May 6, as a gunman killed at least nine reverberated across the state.
Fear, anger, and frustration, along with a multitude of other emotions, were felt in reaction to one of the worst shootings in the City’s history.
“Allen Police Department is heartbroken to confirm nine casualties from today’s shooting at Allen Premium Outlets,” the department said in a statement on its Facebook page.
Comments from people flooded the Allen Police Department’s Facebook page after the department posted the statement.
Some users want more answers, more change, and fewer statements.
“POLICY AND CHANGE. Thoughts and prayers do nothing,” said Lydia Eilen, who posted a comment to the department’s page.
People want answers, and they want to know who the shooter was.
“Who is the shooter? Why has that not been released?” asked Janet Izen-Hatch on the department’s page.
Frustration and anger are mounting as the investigation continues, but people are also praying for the City during this tragic time.
“Heartbroken. Praying for the families and all involved,” Christi Hahn Zander said on the department’s page.
Amy Parker commented on the page, saying, “Grateful it was not more than nine because an Allen officer had courage and expertise.”
The Allen Police Department has yet to release the officer’s name who was first on the scene, but as reported by The Dallas Express, an officer from the APD who was already at the scene for an unrelated call shot and killed the shooter, preventing an even greater loss of life at the Allen Premium Outlets mall.
A community prayer service and vigil are set for Sunday evening for the community and North Texans who want to pay their respects to victims and the community.
The vigil will be held at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen.
People can attend in person or watch via live stream on the church website.
The vigil begins at 5 p.m.
