Although gun control activists and the mainstream media attempt to dismiss the supposed “myth” that good guys with guns can save lives by stopping a violent crime in progress, stories continue to emerge that support this time-tested thesis.
The latest example came when an armed teen opened fire inside a shopping mall in El Paso, Texas. According to reports, the suspected shooter was 16 years old and carrying a stolen firearm. He allegedly shot a total of four people, killing one.
WATCH: Shoppers run for the exits as shots ring out at Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas pic.twitter.com/3XYB5mKZHR
— Intel Point Alert (@IntelPointAlert) February 16, 2023
Police said that a witness to the shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall on Friday was legally armed with his own handgun.
A statement by authorities revealed: “As soon as the shooting ended, the 16-year-old suspect began to run and was pointing the gun toward the direction of bystanders, including 32-year-old Emanuel Duran, a Licensed to Carry Holder. As the suspect ran toward Duran and bystanders, Duran drew his handgun and shot the suspect.”
The legally armed bystander and an off-duty law enforcement officer then reportedly worked to provide first aid to those who were injured — including the suspect, who was in stable condition as of the latest update available.
El Paso Police Sgt. Robert Gomez reacted with dismay to the circumstances of the shooting.
“It’s always concerning, especially when a 16-year-old has a stolen handgun and fires a weapon inside a very crowded mall,” he said. “It’s very concerning; it’s very disturbing, actually.”
The narrative closely resembled a mall shooting last year during which an armed bystander returned fire to take down a suspect at the Greenwood Park Mall near Indianapolis, Indiana.
In that case, police say the shooter was heavily armed and fired 24 bullets, killing three victims and injuring two more before 22-year-old Elisjsha Dicken used his own pistol to fatally shoot the suspect.
Elisjsha Dicken, 22, who was at the mall with his girlfriend, drew his pistol and fatally shot the gunman.
Greenwood Police Chief Jim Ison credited Dicken with the quick thinking and shooting proficiency needed to intervene and prevent any additional injury or loss of life.
“Many more people would’ve died last night if not for a responsible armed citizen that took action very quickly within the first two minutes of the shooting,” Ison added. “I will say his actions were nothing short of heroic.”
