A mass shooting at the Allen Outlet Mall in Northern Dallas has sparked a debate on the second amendment and gun control in Texas. Social media users slammed Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Greg Abbott for their stand on gun rights.
The shooter at the Allen Outlet Mall opened fire at a no-gun zone. A video on social media showed the suspect come in a car, get down and start shooting in front of an H&M store. Reports said that there was ‘a pile of bodies, including children.
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The victims are between the age of 5 and 51, according to a hospital spokesperson. The suspect was shot by a police officer on some other call. He was wearing combat gear and carrying an AR-15-style rifle. The motive for the shooting is not known yet.
Greg Abbott and Ted Cruz expressed their condolences.
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“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” the governor said in a statement. He added that he is in contact with Allen Mayor Ken Fulk, PS Director Steven C. McCraw, North Texas law enforcement and city officials “to ensure all needed assistance and resources are swiftly deployed, including DPS officers, Texas Rangers and investigative resources.”
Senator Ted Cruz wrote in a tweet that he and his wife are praying for the victims of the shooting and the broader Collin County community.
“My team is in contact with local officials, and I have offered whatever support is needed to do justice and help those in need. Thank you to the incredible law enforcement who put a stop to the monster who committed this act of evil,” Ted Cruz tweeted.
“Heidi and I are praying for the families of the victims of the horrific mall shooting in Allen, Texas. We pray also for the broader Collin County community that’s in shock from this tragedy,” the senator added.
Ted Cruz and Abbott have been vocal about their support for the second amendment and gun rights.
The amendment states that: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
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Social media users pointed out the many shooting incidents in Texas over the past year.
“As the left calls for more laws on gun purchases, Republicans like Greg Abbott offer their thoughts and prayers yet again. Many on the right claim that almost any law Democrats want to create would violate the 2nd Amendment. Let’s discuss,” a Twitter user said.
“Republicans will use the Second Amendment to expand gun rights. They will never ban semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15. Why? Because they are funded by the NRA, and at their conventions, guns are banned,” a second one added.
