Up to 20 feared dead in rampage at Texas shopping mall

Up to 20 people have been killed after a shooting at a mall in Texas.

Officials in the city of El Paso said multiple people had been killed and many injured after the incident at the Cielo Vista Mall. Police said one suspect – a man – had been detained, after earlier reports said up to three had been seized. 

Police urged people to stay away from the scene as armed officials conducted a complete search, but said the incident was no longer “active”.

“Right now we’re searching multiple scenes,” Sgt Enrique Carillo told reporters at the scene. “We have a tactical team going on search. It’s not an active shooter situation, but that’s not to say it’s been rendered safe.”

Cell phone video posted on social media showed people fleeing the mall and shouting in panic.

“We in the level above and we’re locked down. But we can see the scene. There’s police, FBI – they have the place closed down,” a man who goes by the name of Buster and manages a Hooters’ restaurant at the mall, told The Independent.

He said 26 people, including two customers, were among those sheltering in the restaurant. “It’s scary but I believe God is going to keep us safe,” he said.

El Paso, which has about 680,000 residents, is in West Texas and sits across the border from Juarez, Mexico. 

“This is a tragedy that I’m having a hard time getting my arms around, frankly,” said the city’s mayor, Dee Margo, speaking on CNN.

He later wrote on Twitter: “Adair and I are devastated by the tragic events unfolding in our city. Our hearts go out to the victims and gratitude to our first responders. We will continue to keep you updated.”

El Paso police said they have one person in custody and have ruled out multiple shooters.

Police have said there are "multiple fatalities" but haven't confirmed how many. CNN reported that at least 11 people were taken to Del Sol Medical Center, and 11 more were taken to University Medical Center of El Paso.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, have responded to the area and are assisting in the investigation.

El Paso police said they have one person in custody and have ruled out multiple shooters.

Police have said there are "multiple fatalities" but haven't confirmed how many. CNN reported that at least 11 people were taken to Del Sol Medical Center, and 11 more were taken to University Medical Center of El Paso.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, have responded to the area and are assisting in the investigation.