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- On Saturday morning, a shooter opened fire inside a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, reportedly killing at least 18 people.
- Soon afterwards, President Donald Trump, Democratic presidential candidates, and local celebrities flooded to Twitter to share their sympathies.
- Here’s how the nation reacted to Saturday’s tragedy in Texas.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
On Saturday morning, a shooter opened fire inside a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, reportedly killing at least 18 people. Several other victims were sent to a nearby hospital where multiple people are reportedly in critical condition.
Authorities have confirmed that a shooting suspect was arrested.
Read more: Several people killed, 1 suspect in custody after attack on El Paso mall
After news of the tragedy taking place at its Cielo Vista Mall location, Walmart said that it was "praying for the victims, the community & our associates, as well as the first responders."
President Trump called it a "terrible shooting" and promised "total support of [the] Federal Government."
Democratic presidential candidates gave their condolences, including Beto O’Rourke, who resides in El Paso, Texas.
Many candidates took the opportunity to question and critique the nation’s current gun laws.
Other US politicians offered their sympathies to the victims and their loved ones as well.
By Saturday afternoon, Texas Governor Greg Abbott had issued a statement saying, "the state of Texas will do everything it can to ensure justice is delivered to the perpetrators of this heinous act."
Singer-songwriter Khalid, who was born in El Paso, tweeted upon hearing of the news in his hometown.
Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus said his band was in El Paso hotel at the time of the shooting and was instructed to stay inside.
Apple CEO Tim Cook shared his support.
Star Trek star, George Takei, called on Walmart to "show responsibility and leadership. Halt the sale of firearms and ammunition at your stores nationwide."
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See Also:
- El Paso police say 1 suspect is in custody in connection with the deadly Walmart shooting. Here’s what we know.
- At least 15 people dead, 1 suspect in custody after mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart
- The gunman at the Gilroy Garlic Festival identified as a 19-year-old man, used a weapon legally purchased in Nevada
Source: Business Insider – nbastone@businessinsider.com (Nick Bastone)