Editors Note: Some videos have graphic language. Viewer discretion is advised.
UPDATE (9:48 p.m. EST):
Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke provided more details on the shooting (via CNN):
Gerke said the shooter was identified as a white male in his 30s. His name and a motive were not given.
Gerke said the incident began at 3:17 p.m. CT (4:17 p.m. ET) when a Department of Public Safety officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a gold Honda. When the vehicle came to a stop, the driver shot the officer, he said.
The driver traveled west into Odessa and shot another person, then continued through the city where "there were multiple victims," the chief said. The shooter abandoned his vehicle at one point, stole a mail truck and shot at more people, Gerke said.
The shooter then drove toward the Cinergy movie theater, where he and police officers exchanged gunfire in the parking lot and the man was killed, the chief said.
UPDATE (7:25 p.m. EST):
The death toll has risen to five, with 21 more injured.
According to Odessa Police, the suspect's identity hasn't been released but he is a white male in his 30s.
UPDATE: Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke confirms the suspect is a white male in his 30s in West Texas shootings https://t.co/H9n7JJUntx https://t.co/EMNtlzMPQq pic.twitter.com/M9KhoBpU9O
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 31, 2019
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said multiple agencies are working to investigate.
"The state of Texas and the Department of Public Safety are working closely with local law enforcement to provide resources as needed and deliver justice for this heinous attack," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement.
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UPDATE (6:40 p.m. EST):
President Trump has been briefed on the situation.
Just briefed by Attorney General Barr about the shootings in Texas. FBI and Law Enforcement is fully engaged. More to follow.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 31, 2019
UPDATE (6:35 p.m. EST):
Midland Police took to Facebook to make the public aware that the gunman is now dead. There is no longer an active shooter.
UPDATE (6:30 p.m. EST):
The suspect was driving around shooting people. Police in Odessa were telling people to stay inside.
FROM OPD: A subject (possibly 2) is currently driving around Odessa shooting at random people. At this time there are multiple gunshot victims. Police are advising Odessans to stay indoors.
— OdessaAmerican (@OdessaAmerican) August 31, 2019
Authorities reportedly took one man into custody.
A video from a person in the area shows the suspect being shot:
#UPDATE: Video appears to show the moment the other suspect who was at large, said to have hijacked a USPS vehicle, was shot. The other suspect was taken into custody while attempting to enter a movie theater in Midland. #OANN pic.twitter.com/umpXaesMb5
— Adonis Albright (@AdonisAlbright) August 31, 2019
ORIGINAL POST
Police in Midland, Texas are responding to reports of an active shooter near a Home Depot. One person is dead and at least 20 are injured. One of the injured is a police officer but it's unclear what his condition is, Fox 8 reported.
As of now, police believe there are two suspects, both driving in different directions. One suspect is in a small Toyota pickup truck, the other is in a United States Postal Service van.
The Midland Police Department took to Facebook to update the public:
The University of Texas at Permain Basin is on lockdown.
Lock DownLock down in place. Officers are looking for suspect in shooting in the are of UTPB Campus. LOCK DOWN NOW
— UT Permian Basin (@utpb) August 31, 2019
Falcons: law enforcement in Midland and Odessa are working to locate and contain a shooter. Please stay in your dorm or office and do not open your doors. There were initial reports that the suspect was in east odessa. We will post here as soon as the situation is under control
— UT Permian Basin (@utpb) August 31, 2019
El Paso resident and presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke took to Twitter to offer his condolences.
Our hearts are with Midland, Odessa, and everyone in West Texas who has to endure this again. More information is forthcoming, but here's what we know: We need to end this epidemic. https://t.co/ytWLcg7y20
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) August 31, 2019
This is a breaking news story. As more information comes in, this post will be updated.
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