News & Politics

[UPDATED] At Least Five Dead in Texas Mass Shooting; 21 Reportedly Injured

By Rick Moran 6:23 PM on August 31, 2019
[UPDATED] At Least Five Dead in Texas Mass Shooting; 21 Reportedly Injured
Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke updates reporters on the shootings in Odessa and Midland, Texas. (Image via Twitter screenshot.)

Here’s what we know thus far:

A gunman shot and killed five people and injured 21 from his vehicle in the cities of Odessa and Midland, Texas, Saturday afternoon. Three law enforcement officers were injured, but their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

The shooter, who was shot and killed by police, has been identified as a white male in his 30s. No additional information has been released by law enforcement about the shooter or his motives.
The incident began when a Department of Public Safety officer pulled over a vehicle on an interstate highway. The suspect shot the officer and then drove off and began shooting, seemingly at random.
At one point, the shooter abandoned his vehicle and hijacked a U.S. Postal Service truck. Law enforcement officers were able to trap him in the parking lot of the Cinergy theater, where they engaged with the suspect and shot him to death.
— Paula Bolyard
Update 8:57 p.m. Eastern:
Officials from Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, where the majority of victims were transported, told reporters that seven of the patients are critical, and two are in serious condition at this time. The hospital is on lockdown until 10 p.m. local, they said, mostly so that medical personnel would feel secure.
–Paula Bolyard

Update 8:35 p.m. Eastern:

Devin Sanches, the Odessa public information officer, just told Fox News that one of the victims is a 17-month-old baby, who was airlifted to an area hospital.

— Paula Bolyard

Update 8:14 p.m. Eastern:

So far as I can tell, Beto was the first 2020 Dem out of the gate to exploit the deaths of the Texas shooting business.

— Paula Bolyard

Update 7:56 p.m. Eastern:

Another video has surfaced which appears to show police engaged with the suspect. In the video, shots can be heard and a bystander reports that the assailant has been shot by police (you’ve been warned).

The Odessa police chief just updated the media on the shooting, calling the assailant “an animal.”

–Paula Bolyard

Update 7:15 p.m. Eastern:

Police say five people are dead, 21 more injured in the shootings. The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s.

— Rick Moran

Update: 6:40 p.m. Eastern: 

The mayor of Odessa, Texas, tells Fox News that there was only one shooter, who has reportedly been shot and killed in a confrontation with police. A hospital spokesman told Fox that six people had been admitted with gunshot wounds and three are critical.

— Rick Moran

Original report:

Midland Police have reportedly arrested one suspect who shot random people, injuring at least 30 people, according to CBS News. It is believed that another shooter is still at large.

CBS7:

From the City of Midland: We believe there are two shooters in two separate vehicles. One suspect is believed to be at the Cinergy in Midland and the other is believed to be driving on Loop 250 in Midland. The two vehicles in question are: gold/white small Toyota truck and a USPS Postal Van. Please stay away from these areas and stay indoors.

USPS has recalled its vehicles to help authorities track down the suspect.

From the City of Odessa: 20 injuries have been reported in connection to the shooting. No other details are availabe at this time.

From DPS: The public is urged to avoid I-20 in Odessa, Midland and Big Spring as authorities search for a suspect who has shot several people including an officer.

Here’s what appears to be the first video available, although it has not been verified by law-enforcement.

This post will be updated as more information becomes available.

— Rick Moran

Rick Moran

Rick Moran has been writing for PJ Media for 13 years. His work has appeared in dozens of media outlets including the Washington Times and ABC News. He was an editor at American Thinker for 14 years. His own blog is Right Wing Nut House. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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