At least 20 killed in Texas mass shooting

ANKARA

At least 20 people were killed in a shooting at a shopping mall in El Paso, in the U.S. state of Texas, an official said on Saturday.

Speaking at a news conference, aired live by local media, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said more than two dozen people were also injured in the shooting.

Earlier, Enrique Castillo, spokesman for the El Paso Police Department, had said the incident took place at a Walmart in Cielo Visto Mall, and there were multiple people killed and dozens of others wounded.

Local media outlets also posted surveillance footage said to show a gunman entering the building with an automatic rifle. Citing multiple sources, CNN said the suspect is 21-year-old Patrick Cruises from Allen, Texas.

El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen confirmed the suspect was identified as a 21-year-old white male from Allen, saying he has been taken into custody.

"Right now we have a manifesto from this individual that indicates to some degree a nexus to a potential hate crime," Allen said.

Previously, Dee Margo, the city's mayor, said multiple suspects were taken into custody over the mass shooting.

“Our hearts go out to the victims and gratitude to our first responders,” he said on Twitter.

President Donald Trump responded to the shooting in a statement on Twitter.

"Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!"

U.S. presidential candidates have also condemned the attack and called on the public to follow instructions of police and safety officials.