One victim is dead and ten others are hurt following an active shooting in West Texas on Friday morning.
Police in Midland, Texas, responded to reports of an active shooter around 8 a.m. local time. When they arrived at the scene, the gunman fired at officers and bystanders before barricading himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
That led to an hours-long standoff between officers and the suspected shooter, identified by police as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal. He was found dead inside the building around 12:30 p.m. local time.
Villarreal, a resident of Odessa, Texas, was wanted for “attempted capital murder of a peace officer” after he allegedly fired at a Midland police officer during a vehicle pursuit two days ago, officials said. No law enforcement officers were hurt in Friday’s shooting.
Texas Rangers are now investigating the shooting at the request of the local police department. FBI Director Kash Patel also confirmed his agency deployed special agents and victim services personnel to assist local law enforcement.
Officials set up a family reunification center at Midland Memorial Hospital, which received nine of the victims. Four victims required surgery, while the other five have since been discharged, hospital officials said at 12:55 p.m. local time.
Midland Mayor Lori Blong told reporters her “heart breaks for the victims and their families.”
“We are praying for every person touched by today’s events and for the law enforcement officers who risked their own safety to protect our community,” she said.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he was “deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence.”
“We are praying for the victims, their families, and the entire community. I have been briefed on the matter and commend the swift response from the Midland Police Department, DPS and all assisting law enforcement agencies,” he wrote on X.
Even though the situation has resolved, police are still urging the public to stay away from the scene, located near the 4600 block of West Wall Street.
“Drivers are asked to please find alternate routes around the area as authorities remain on the scene,” the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
