The Police in Odessa, west Texas have finally lifted the veil on the gunman who went on rampage between Midland and Odessa on Saturday, shooting more than 20 people and killing.
He was Seth Aaron Ator, a 36 year-old Texas white man. According to NBC News, he was recently sacked from his job, suggesting that he might have been a disgruntled former employee with an ax to grind.
Police said the shooter was taken down by officers at the Cinergy movie complex in Odessa. The incident began around 3:15 p.m. local time on Saturday, August 31, as an attempted traffic stop along Interstate 20.
Police had originally been looking for two potential gunmen. But after Ator was shot, officials stated that there was no longer a threat of an active shooter. Investigators now say they are confident Ator acted alone.
Seven victims were killed in Saturday’s rampage, according to federal officials. More than 20 others were injured, several critically. Among the injured is a 17month old baby girl.
Three law enforcement officers who were injured, including the state trooper who was shot during the traffic stop, are expected to recover.
The baby girl too will survive.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the girl sustained injuries to her bottom lip, tongue and front teeth. Shrapnel too will need to be removed from her chest. But he said, the girl is recovering, ahead of surgery.
Abbott said at a press conference on Sunday that the child’s mother sent a text message: “Toddlers are funny because they can get shot but still want to run around and play.”
