Allen officials are reportedly refusing to release certain records related to the Allen Premium Outlets mass shooting.
The Dallas Morning News reported that it has made over 70 public information requests for records such as the full incident report, ambulance run logs, and other documents pertaining to the shooting. Requests for some of the information have been refused on the grounds that doing so would allegedly “interfere with law enforcement.”
The City of Allen retained a private law firm, Nichols Jackson, to request that the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) grant it permission to keep some of the records sealed. The OAG ultimately ruled that the City of Allen had discretion over whether to release the documents or not.
“Based on these representations and our review, we find release of the submitted information would interfere with the detection, investigation or prosecution of crime,” reads the OAG’s ruling, per the DMN.
The City of Allen decided against releasing additional documents, according to a letter sent to the DMN from Nichols Jackson.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a former security guard exited his vehicle in the parking lot of the outlet mall on May 6 and began firing at individuals in the vicinity. He killed eight people, including three children, before being shot to death by an officer with the Allen Police Department. The deadly incident left the North Texas community in mourning.
“There has been no indication from law enforcement of an ongoing investigation that could lead to prosecution,” claimed Amy Hollyfield, managing editor of the DMN. “Meanwhile, victims’ families and the community are still healing four months later and have unanswered questions. … We want to be the independent review of video and records to understand how to prevent another tragedy like this in our community.”
The City of Allen is not the only North Texas governmental entity to opt not to be fully transparent.
Recently, Dallas ISD demanded more than $9,000 from The Dallas Express for email communications flagged through an open records request.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a January poll found that a majority of Dallas ISD parents want the school system to be more transparent. Another poll found that an overwhelming majority of respondents felt the City of Dallas also needs to be more transparent.