An active shooting and standoff in Midland, Texas left at least one person dead, another injured and the suspected gunman dead, authorities said on June 12.
Midland police responded to a shooting in the 4600 block of West Wall Street Friday morning and were involved in a “standoff” with the suspected gunman, Midland spokesperson Stewart Doreen confirmed to USA TODAY. Doreen said police heard gunshots coming from the building and tried to clear the area. Armored units and partner law enforcement agencies were also on the scene.
Shortly before noon, city officials announced that the scene remained active, but the standoff had been resolved and the gunman was dead. Mayor Lori Bron said authorities confirmed the gunman’s killing through footage from robots and drones. Details were not immediately announced.
“Law enforcement is still providing security at the scene,” she said.
There are 11 known victims, and at least one died at the scene, Bron said at a news conference. Doreen said multiple people were sent to the hospital.
“I implore all Midlanders to pray for the families of those affected, the victims themselves, and the families of those who have been confirmed dead,” Bron said.
The public was asked to avoid the area while emergency personnel were at the scene.
Midland Memorial Hospital received nine of the victims related to the shooting. Tasa Richardson, director of planning, marketing and communications, told USA TODAY that four people are in surgery and the other five are in stable condition.
Midland Memorial Hospital was placed on lockdown at 8:20 a.m. local time due to an “active shooter incident,” Richardson said. The hospital lifted the lockdown late in the morning.
“MMH has set up a family reunion for the victim’s family on the main campus of Midland Memorial Hospital,” Richardson said. “Family members may enter through the main entrance and congregate in the hospital cafeteria. Please avoid entering the hospital unless emergency treatment is required.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he had been briefed on the shooting and praised the response of law enforcement.
“Cecilia and I are deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence in Midland. We are praying for the victims, their families, and our entire community,” Abbott said in a social media post, referring to Texas Premier Cecilia Abbott.
The area where the shooting was first reported is about six miles southwest of the Midland hospital. The city is located in West Texas and is part of the Permian Basin.
Midland police are also searching for a man who allegedly fired a rifle at an officer during a traffic stop on June 10, but the officer was not injured. The suspect was identified as Victor Mata Villarreal. After officers returned fire, the man fled the scene, police said. It is not clear whether the incidents are related.
