Feds probing whether Texas mall gunman held neo-Nazi views
Federal agents are probing whether the Texas mall shooter who killed eight people Saturday afternoon held neo-Nazi views, according to a law enforcement official.
The feds are scanning the gunman Mauricio Garcia’s reported social media accounts which spouted off white supremacist and neo-Nazi views as they attempt to figure out a motive for the massacre, the official told The Associated Press Sunday.
During the twisted shooting, Garcia, 33, also wore a patch on his chest with the acronym “RWDS” which stands for “Right Wing Death Squad” – a popular phrase among white-supremacy groups, according to the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Authorities have interviewed relatives and associates of Garcia, who was shot and killed by police at the mall, about his ideological beliefs, the official said.
Investigators are looking at his financial records and online posts they believe Garcia made as well.
The investigation is still in the early stages, the official warned.
State authorities believe the shooter was also an “incel,” according to a internal email passed around by Texas law enforcement, Rolling Stone reported.
The outlet also reported that Garcia was discharged from the military in 2008 over “mental health concerns,” according to an FBI bulletin.
A day after the mass shooting, Garcia was identified by multiple reports as the man who opened fire inside Allen Premium Outlets, killing eight victims. Seven others, who ranged in age from 5 to 61, were wounded in the hail of bullets.
Multiple weapons were found at the scene, including an AR-15 style rifle and a handgun, officials said. Authorities are searching a nearby motel where Garcia stayed and a Dallas-area home that he had ties to, two officials said.
Garcia shared the home with his parents and he had booked an extended stay at the motel, according to a local WFAA report, citing law enforcement sources.
Officials have not disclosed the names of the slain victims, though relatives of mall security guard Christian LaCour revealed he was killed during the shooting.
The wounded victims remained in the hospital Sunday with three in critical condition and four in fair condition, the Allen Police Department said.
With Post wires
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