Authorities: Multiple people killed at El Paso shopping complex

WASHINGTON (SBG) -- Multiple people have been killed after a mass shooting at an El Paso shopping center on Saturday, according to KFOX14.

At least 20 people are dead, Governor Gregg Abbott said during a press conference and called on the community to unite. Chief Greg Allen added 26 are wounded and called the "scene was a horrific one."

The FBI has opened a domestic terror investigation into the shooting.

Cheif Allen said they were aware of a possible manifesto that indicated the shooting could be hate crime-related. However, he was reluctant to get into specifics as authorities have not confirmed the possible manifesto was directly related to the shooter at this point in the investigation.

"On a day that would have been a normal day for someone to leisurely go shopping turned into one of the most deadly days in the history of Texas," said Abbott. "Lives were taken that should still be with us today."

Alerts indicated that police responded to reports of a shooting at the busy shopping center around 11 a.m. (local time) Saturday. Around 1:45 p.m. about 200 people from inside the mall walked out and were allowed to leave the area. The Cielo Vista Mall area was put on lockdown but people inside were evacuated safely, according to KFOX14 news crew at the scene.

Police estimated the area was filled with between 1,000 and 3,000 people during the busy back to school shopping season.

An official with the police said he thinks most were shot at the Walmart at the shopping complex, according to The Associated Press.

The Associated Press reported hospitals are treating 22 people, not including one who has since passed away during treatment.

University Medical Center said the hospital received 13 patients in connection with the shooting with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, according to KFOX14.

KFOX14 confirmed with UMC officials that two children, age 9 and 2, were taken to El Paso Children's Hospital. They are stable and suffered non life-threatening injuries, according to hospital officials.

Authorities say blood donations are needed urgently to help treat the wounded. According to The Associated Press, military members are trying to help members of the community look for missing loved ones.

Authorities believe one shooter using a rife is responsible for the attacks, according to The Associated Press. Sgt. Robert Gomez said at a press conference the man was taken into custody without law enforcement firing a single shot.

The Associated Press reported the suspect is 21-year-old Patrick Crusius who is from the Dallas area.

Heavy law enforcement presence remains at the scene. Police say the Cielo Vista shopping complex has been secured.

Vice reporter Evan McMorris-Santoro was at a town hall for Rep. Veronica Escobar when the event was shut down due to the situation nearby, according to a tweet he sent. Escobar told McMorris-Santoro that there are multiple victims involved at a shopping mall nearby.

Shoppers at the mall where the incident posted their experiences on Snapchat. Viewer discretion is advised.

A family reunification center has been set up at MacArthur Elementary-Intermediate School.

The White House says President Donald Trump has been briefed and has spoken to Attorney General William Barr and Gov. Greg Abbott, according to The Associated Press.

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the shooting "a heinous and senseless act of violence" in a statement released on Twitter.

El Paso native Democrat presidential candidate and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke said at a press conference in Las Vegas he has spoken over the phone with EL Paso Mayor Dee Margo, the sheriff and U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar. He said he is heading back to El Paso to be with his family and with the city.

Walmart also issued a statement in response to the tragedy.

A local funeral home in El Paso has offered to provide free funeral services to victims of the mass shooting, according to KFOX14.

This is a developing story.