One person was killed, and at least nine others were wounded Friday after a gunman unleashed terror in West Texas before barricading himself inside a building, triggering a tense standoff with police in Midland.
The violence erupted around 8 a.m. near the 4600 block of West Wall Street, sending emergency crews racing to the scene and forcing authorities to warn residents to stay away from the area.
Midland Mayor Lori Blong confirmed the death and said nine victims were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital. Four of the wounded were rushed into surgery, while five others were listed in stable condition.
Police said officers responding to the scene encountered active gunfire and quickly moved to secure the area.
“Officers heard gunfire coming from the building and worked quickly to secure and clear the area,” Midland Police Chief Seth Herman said.
“Armored units were deployed, and partner agencies assisted in the response. Efforts to bring the standoff with the shooter to a safe resolution are ongoing.”
Witnesses described hearing a barrage of gunshots as chaos unfolded.
Andrea Mendias, who works near the scene, told reporters it sounded like roughly 40 rounds had been fired. Video she captured showed heavily armed officers pouring out of an armored vehicle while robots were deployed toward the building where the suspect had taken cover.
Authorities said the shooter remained contained as negotiators and tactical teams worked to end the crisis.
Midland Memorial Hospital briefly went into lockdown as victims poured into the facility. Hospital officials later lifted restrictions on the main campus, though access to the emergency department remained limited.
A reunification center was established for family members, and city officials urged residents to donate blood and food as the community grappled with the aftermath.
“The situation is still evolving,” Blong said.
Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect or disclosed a motive.
The attack shook residents of the oil-rich city of roughly 140,000 people, which sits about 320 miles west of Austin.
The Midland shooting also revived painful memories of the 2019 massacre in neighboring Odessa and Midland, when a gunman killed seven people and wounded more than two dozen others during a deadly rampage across the region.
Investigators have not indicated whether Friday’s attack was random or targeted. Law enforcement agencies continued to maintain a large presence around the scene as the hours-long standoff unfolded.
Officials urged the public to avoid the area and monitor local emergency alerts for updates.
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