Nine people were killed Saturday afternoon in a mass shooting at a Texas outlet mall.

Allen Fire Chief Jonathan Boyd said that seven people were pronounced dead at the scene — including the shooter — and two people died at hospitals.

Emergency services transported nine people to the hospitals, he said. Three of the survivors are in critical condition and the remaining four are stable.

Texas police swarmed into Allen Premier Outlets Saturday afternoon when gunshots sent customers scattering.

Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner told WFAA that multiple people were shot, including children, and that the shooter is dead after engaging with police.

Allen Police Chief Brian E. Harvey said there were fatalities but did not provide further details.

The shooting began at about 3:30 p.m. at Allen Premium Outlets. Allen is a northern suburb of Dallas.

“At 3:36 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, an Allen Police Department officer on an unrelated call heard gunshots at Allen Premium Outlets,” Allen Police said in a Facebook post. “The officer engaged the suspect and neutralized the threat. He then called for emergency personnel. Nine victims were transported to local hospitals by Allen Fire Department. A multi-agency response helped secure the mall. There is no longer an active threat. A reunification point has been created on Chelsea Boulevard. Our hearts are with the individuals and families impacted by this tragic event. Another briefing will be provided later this evening with additional details.”

Witnesses told WFAA they saw the shooter near the Fatburger restaurant, dressed in all black.

Allen Fire Chief Jonathan Boyd said the fire department transported nine victims to trauma centers. He said others may have been taken to hospitals by private vehicles.

Investigators have released little information other than to ask people to stay away from the area.

Elaine Penicaro told KDFW that she was shopping with her daughter when the shots began.

“We were outside the Converse store and we just heard all this popping,” she said. “We kind of all just stopped, and then a second later, just ‘Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop,’ and there were sparks flying like it was right in front of us.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement saying “our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy.”

This is a developing story. Check back for more information.

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[Featured image: A law enforcement officer walks as people are evacuated from a shopping center where a shooting occurred May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)]