In Texas, the Allen Police Department released body camera video, from the officer confronting the suspect, in the shooting at Allen Premium Outlets mall on May 6th. Killed in the shooting were nine people, including the shooter, who left 10 other people injured. Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey speaking at a press conference, said an officer was nearby on an unrelated call, when gunshots rang out at Allen Premium Outlets at 3:36 p.m. on May 6. Those injured in the shooting ranged in age from 5 to age 61.
On Wednesday, after a grand jury ruled that the use of force was justified under Texas state law, police released the body camera video from the initial responding officer. Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey said that the officer ran directly toward the gunfire to save others.
In his statement Police Chief Brian Harvey said-
"This video shows how quickly a routine interaction with the public turned into a life-and-death situation,"… "The officer recognized the danger, ran toward the gunfire and neutralized the threat — and for his actions, the Allen community is forever grateful."
-Allen TX, Police Chief Brian Harvey
In the video, the Texas police officer can be heard saying, "I think we got shots fired at the outlet mall the officer says before running across a parking lot towards the direction of the gunshots. "I think we got a mass shooter. I got a mass shooter on foot," the officer says to his radio. The officer seen in the body camera shot and killed the gunman after locating him at the mall. "I got him down," the officer can be heard saying. "I'm not hearing any gunshots."
According to officials, the officer "engaged the suspect and neutralized the threat.”
This officers quick thinking, protecting the citizens he encountered by getting them out of harms’ way, and engaging this shooter using deadly force, likely saved countless other lives. The community he serves will long remember his courage and bravery in the face of imminent danger.
“Law enforcement officers are never 'off duty.' They are dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect public safety at any time and place that the peace is threatened. They need all the help that they can get.”
-Barbara Boxer