Texas Shopping Center Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, 5 Injured
In yet another mass shooting incident, this time at a shopping center in Amarillo, Texas, two people were killed and at least five more were injured. The attack took place early Sunday morning, at around 1:00 am, in the 3500 block of South Georgia Street.
According to Everything Lubbock, no arrests have been made yet, with the police still trying to find out who the shooter is. A police press release stated that when officers arrived at the scene, seven people had been shot. One victim was already dead on the spot, while the six others were taken to three different emergency rooms.
However, one of them did not make it and died at the hospital.
The victims were identified as 32-year-old Semagea D. Smith and 28-year-old Dequincton T. Taylor. Police say that investigations into the early morning assault are still ongoing. The other victims who were shot are expected to recover.
Police said a fight broke out at a party in Amarillo before the shooting started. The late-night private party happened at the shopping mall and was described as "boozy," according to police.
Tributes Pour for Two Texas Shopping Center Shooting Victims
According to The Mirror, following the attack, family and friends of the two victims paid tribute to both men online.
One tribute to the now-late Semagea Smith, also called Smitty by his friends, said, "Smitty Smith, my heart dropped when I got the news. We was hoping the best for you."
The tribute added, "You was one of the good ones. You had such a good soul man. I'm praying for your mom your kids and your family. Rest In Peace Semagea."
Meanwhile, another post said, "RIP Smitty Smith you were a good man.... Very positive and every time we had an interaction it was always cool.... Amarillo you guys on some BS.... RIP HOMEBOY...."
Smith just qualified to attend Amarillo College last March.
READ MORE: Texas Walmart Shooter Who Killed Latinos to Plead Guilty
For DeQuincton Taylor, one post on social media read, "Prayers to DeQuincton Taylor family. That man was good dad and friend."
Another addressed him directly, saying, "Your mother would be so proud to see what you have accomplished & your beautiful children will carry on your name forever!"
2023 May Be the Worst Year for Mass Shootings in History After Texas Shooting
After several mass shootings that happened in Ohio, Maryland, and now, Texas, all of which happened over the weekend, the US is now on track to be the deadliest year yet due to the number of mass shootings.
Two of the mass shootings happened in Texas: the first one happened last Friday in El Paso, followed by the Amarillo attack.
On Saturday, two people were killed in Baltimore, with another mass shooting happening in downtown Cleveland on Sunday.
With these mass shootings, Forbes pointed out that there have already been 367 mass shootings so far. This means that the country is continuing to record its fastest rate of mass shootings in recent history, as it is likely to exceed the levels of 2021 and has so far been the worst year for mass shootings since at least 2014.
READ NEXT: Wanted January 6 Rioter Arrested Near Barack Obama's Home
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: 2 dead, 5 injured in Amarillo shooting - KHOU-11