Democratic presidential candidates Beto O'Rourke and Julián Castro condemned a mass shooting in Odessa and Midland, Texas, on Saturday that left at least one dead and multiple people injured.
"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.
" O'Rourke wrote."Heartbreaking news out of Odessa and Midland, Texas as police search for an active shooter at-large. Stay indoors and monitor news alerts and safety protocols," Castro wrote.
The shooter was killed by police, the Associated Press reported.
The shooting comes four weeks after two mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. The El Paso shooting is thought to have targeted Hispanics, leaving 22 people dead and dozens injured. Some 13 hours later in Dayton, nine people were killed and dozens were injured in a separate shooting in a popular nightlife district.
After the El Paso shooting, O'Rourke left the campaign trail, returning to his hometown, which is just 300 miles from Midland. Castro is a former lawmaker from San Antonio.
Initial reports from Midland police said there may have been one or more suspects who opened fire at random from a stolen postal vehicle. The University of Texas Permian Basic campus has gone into lockdown.
President Donald Trump tweeted: "Just briefed by Attorney General Barr about the shootings in Texas. FBI and Law Enforcement is fully engaged. More to follow."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted: "We are closely following the developing situation in Odessa & Midland, Texas.
Our prayers are with all who have been impacted and the first responders working to save lives. #EndGunViolence #DoSomething."Article originally published on POLITICO Magazine