Reports & ‘8chan manifesto’ identify El Paso shooter as Hispanic-hating, Christchurch-inspired 21yo
As many as 18 people are feared dead after a man armed with an AK-style rifle stormed a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. One man is in custody but police are searching for more suspects. An alleged manifesto of the shooter has emerged.
The suspect has been reportedly identified as 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, though police have not officially released his name yet.
A law enforcement official in El Paso told me the Walmart shooter is in custody. Patrick Crusius of Dallas. Just turned 21 years old this week. pic.twitter.com/CEJh6rYij1
— Anna Giaritelli (@Anna_Giaritelli) August 3, 2019
Shooter used ‘AK-style’ rifle
A still from a CCTV camera has emerged online showing a suspect entering the Walmart wielding an AK-style rifle, which media reports have referred to as “AK-47”. Police have not confirmed the exact make of the weapon, though it appears to be a civilian semi-automatic variant of the assault rifle.
The man is seen sporting military-style cargo pants, a black T-shirt and shooting ear protection.
Multiple victims feared dead
At least 22 people were taken to two Texas hospitals in the wake of the attack, including two children, medical officials confirmed to AP. One person, who was treated at the University Medical Center of El Paso, has since died, a spokesman confirmed. It is, however, feared that the death toll might be much higher. NBC reported, citing law enforcement officials, that at least 19 people have died and some 40 suffered injuries in the attack.
Also on rt.com Multiple fatalities, 1 in custody after Walmart shooting in El Paso, Texas (VIDEOS)
Graphic footage from the scene emerged online showing at least four bodies outside and inside the Walmart. The authorities have so far been tight-lipped on the number of casualties, citing a very large scale crime scene that has to be examined in full.
Alleged manifesto: Anti-Hispanic, mentions Christchurch shooting
Ahead of the massacre, the suspected shooter allegedly posted a 4-page manifesto online on the notorious image board 8chan. The document, which has emerged on social media and is currently being studied by the FBI, was apparently influenced by the manifesto of the Christchurch mosque shooter, who massacred over 50 people in New Zealand in March.
The author of the alleged manifesto calls the attack on the Walmart a “response to [the] Hispanic invasion of Texas” and expresses extreme-right views, voicing his support to the Christchurch shooter.
Meanwhile, a relative of a shooting witness told KTSM-TV that the shooter was raving about “gamer revolution” – a reference to an obscure online meme – during the rampage.
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