Dallas mall shooter: Who is Mauricio Garcia?

July 2024 · 5 minute read

Law enforcement sources have identified the suspect in Saturday's deadly mall shooting in Allen, Texas that left eight dead and several others injured as Mauricio Garcia.

Garcia, 33, is from Dallas, Texas, according to records obtained by Fox News Digital. The suspect’s age, address, and vehicle matches the description of details law enforcement provided. 

Garcia's last known location was at a motel approximately 30 miles south of the shooting at Allen Premium Outlets in Dallas.

Texas police responded to reports of a shooting at Allen Premium Outlets on Saturday afternoon. (FOX 4 Dallas)

An email account called "deathdestructionandlove" was listed in association with Garcia in records obtained by Fox News Digital. 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told Dallas' WFAA that Mauricio Garcia served in the U.S. Army but was removed because of mental health concerns. 

The governor called the mall attack an "unspeakable tragedy." He later joined a community vigil to honor the victims. 

"As this community heals, Texas will be with you every step of the way," he said. 

The suspect's brother, Christian Garcia, whose address is listed as that of Mauricio’s per records obtained, has several criminal records, including burglary of habitation and public intoxication.

TEXAS AUTHORITIES CONFIRM 8 DEAD IN ALLEN PREMIUM OUTLETS SHOOTING NEAR DALLAS, SEVERAL MORE INJURED

A law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press that federal officials are looking into whether Mauricio Garcia was motivated by white supremacist or neo-Nazi ideologies, but did not elaborate. The federal official cautioned that the investigation is still in its early stages. 

The source said federal officials were reviewing social media accounts believed to be used by Garcia to express interest in extremist views. Garcia also had a patch on his chest that read, "RWDS" – supposedly an acronym for "Right Wing Death Squad," which is popular among far-right, the source said. 

The source reportedly added that federal agents have interviewed family members and associates of Garcia to ask about his ideological beliefs. 

The front entrance of a home connected to suspected mall gunman, Mauricio Garcia, is seen, Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Dallas. The home was searched overnight by law enforcement officials related to the mall shooting in Allen, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Multiple FBI agents reported to a home in the Northeast Patrol division of Dallas, with several Dallas Police officers standing outside, according to KHOU. Multiple sources told the outlet the home is where the suspected 30-something-year-old shooter lives with his parents. 

The agents were reportedly speaking with family inside the home, according to KHOU. A translator was reportedly requested by the family. 

The front entrance of a home connected to suspected mall gunman, Mauricio Garcia, is seen, Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Dallas. The home was searched overnight by law enforcement officials related to the mall shooting in Allen, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

FBI agents also joined police Sunday morning to search the suspect's home, where neighbors said he has been living for years.

Mauricio Garcia, the suspect in a deadly mall shooting in Allen, Texas, that left eight dead and several others injured Saturday has yet to be officially identified by police, a Texas law enforcement source tells Fox News Digital.  (Google Maps)

Neighbors also told WFAA that he could often be seen going to and from the house in an outfit that suggested a security role. Despite the regular sightings, neighbors added that both the man and his gray Dodge Charger had frequently been missing in recent weeks.

Neighbors also told KHOU they didn't recall any sort of police activity or problems at the house. They noted he was very quiet but did notice certain unusual and quiet behaviors.

POLICE SEARCHING HOME OF TEXAS SHOOTER WHERE HE LIVED WITH PARENTS: REPORT\

Texas police are responding to reports of a shooting at Allen Premium Outlets on Saturday afternoon. (Google Maps)

The shooter began his rampage at roughly 3:30 p.m. local time, with security footage showing the man exiting what appears to be a gray Dodge Charger.

ATLANTA SHOOTING SUSPECT CAPTURED IN COBB COUNTY 

A police officer at the mall heard the gunshots and rushed toward the sound. The officer then engaged the shooter and killed him.

Collin County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Fox News Digital that Allen Police Department is investigating an incident at Allen Premium Outlets. (FOX 4 Dallas)

Six victims were declared dead at the scene, while two more died of their injuries during or after transportation to a hospital. Seven people remain injured from the attack and three were still in critical condition as of Sunday morning.

"We are horrified by today's senseless tragedy and outraged by the violence that continues to plague our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and others affected by this heinous act.  We are thankful for the police officer’s heroic actions and for the support of all the first responders," Simon Property Group said in a statement. The group owns Allen Premium Outlets. 

Dallas Police said their computers were still down as of Saturday following a ransomware attack Wednesday. 

FBI Dallas told Fox News Digital it is working with Texas DPS, the Texas Rangers, Allen police, and the ATF on the investigation. 

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Texas DPS said the agencies were working with people who were at the mall during the shooting to retrieve their personal belongings that may have been left behind. 

Fox News' Anders Hagstrom and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Haley Chi-Sing is a Fox News Digital production assistant. You can reach her at @haleychising on Twitter.

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