Gunman ‘armed with an AR-15’ shoots at least three people at an Arizona shopping mall and is arrested after ‘filming the attack on Snapchat’
- Gunman shot three people at the Westgate Entertainment District Wednesday
- Suspect was identified Armando Hernandez, 20, by his mother, 12News reports
- Disturbing footage, thought to have been taken by Hernandez, shows a gunman carrying out his rampage; the suspect is now in custody, police said
- Officer Tiffany Ngalula did not confirm the identity of the gunman Wednesday evening but did say police are aware of the video circulating on social media
- One of those injured is said to be in critical condition; two others were expected to survive following the shooting near the shopping district west of Phoenix
A gunman shot at least three people in an Arizona shopping district on Wednesday evening, after reportedly filming his assault on Snapchat.
The suspect – who has not been named by police – was identified as 20-year-old Armando Hernandez by his mother, 12News reports.
Disturbing footage, thought to have been taken by Hernandez, shows a gunman carrying out his rampage.
Officer Tiffany Ngalula did not confirm the identity of the shooter Wednesday evening but did say police are aware of the video circulating on social media.
The suspect is said to have surrendered and is now in custody.
One of those injured is in critical condition. The two others were expected to survive following the shooting near a popular shopping and entertainment district west of Phoenix. None of the victims have been named.
Police said they are aware of video circulating on social media which looked to be posted by the shooter. The suspect – who has not been named by police – was identified as 20-year-old Armando Hernandez by his mother, 12News reports
Disturbing footage, thought to have been taken by Hernandez, is circulating online
Multiple people have been shot by a ‘terrorist armed with an AR-15’ in this Arizona shopping district, a state senator said Wednesday. The district is pictured Wednesday evening
Sen. Martín Quezada tweeted following the incident on Wednesday
Senator Martín Quezada had earlier tweeted: ‘I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate. There are multiple victims.’
Glendale police later confirmed three people were injured after they were called 7:20pm local time.
Senator Quezada told 12 News: ‘I saw him through my window after the shots were fired. He was walking calmly and reloading his weapon.’
The Westgate shopping center, part of a complex that includes arenas for Cardinals football and Coyotes hockey, was humming with activity after many of its stores and restaurants were closed for more than a month due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Police locked down the area and were methodically going through businesses to search for any additional victims or suspects, the spokeswoman said.
Footage from the scene shows terrified shoppers fleeing in panic as gunshots ring out.
Law enforcement had earlier tweeted: ‘Please stay out of the #Westgate area.
‘Preliminary info from our dispatch is there were at least two persons struck by gunfire and one person is in custody.
‘PIO is enroute to the scene. Media staging for now will be West of the Arena.’
One person was in critical condition and two others were injured in a shooting Wednesday near a popular shopping and entertainment district west of Phoenix, police said
Video from the scene shows a large police presence. Arizona governor Doug Ducey said: ‘We are monitoring this closely’
Police later confirmed a suspect was in custody, adding: ‘Update: there are no more reports of any active shooting.
‘One suspect is in custody. We are shutting down the Westgate area to ensure everyone is safe. Media staging will be at Cabelas parking lot.
Senator Quezada said: ‘I saw 2 victims with my own eyes. Not sure how many others I saw the shooter. Being told not to say anything else about details ’til I speak to police. I’m ok. Lots of shaken up people.’
One Twitter user wrote: ‘There is a possible shooting going on at Westgate in Glendale. I’m here at work with a coworker hiding in the back of our studio. Hoping to get through all of this.’
Video from the scene shows a large police presence.
Glendale police confirmed the incident, saying three people were injured
Arizona governor Doug Ducey said: ‘We are monitoring this closely.’
He later added: ‘Our hearts and prayers are with the individuals and families impacted tonight, as well as the first responders and police officers who are on the scene. The state is here to continue to offer its full support to the victims and to the community.’
Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton said: ‘Praying hard for the two victims at Westgate and for the hundreds who just lived through the nightmare of a mass shooting.
‘This is a terrible situation that could have been much worse—I’m grateful for the quick response from @GlendaleAZPD that undoubtedly saved lives.’