May 21, 2020 | 6:45am | Updated May 21, 2020 | 7:38am
The man who allegedly shot at least three people at an Arizona shopping complex captured the attack in chilling video posted on Snapchat, where he holds up a can of beer and declares what he is about to carry out, according to reports.
The suspect, whom police have not named, has been identified by his mother as 20-year-old Armando Hernandez, according to 12News.
“Hello, my name is Armando Junior Hernandez and I’m gonna be the shooter of Westgate 2020,” the man says as he flashes the beer can and shows guns in his back seat, The Sun reported.
“Let’s get this done,” he adds in the disturbing video.
The suspect was arrested after the shooting at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, about 15 miles from Phoenix, according to police.
Three people were rushed to a hospital. One is in critical condition and the other two are expected to recover, police said, according to 12News.
Video shows the suspect walking calmly across the complex’s parking lot about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday while brandishing an assault weapon before terrified shoppers fled amid the sound of gunfire, the station reported.
Police responding to reports of active shooter found the victims.
Glendale Police Officer Tiffany Ngalula said the shooting was over by the time cops arrived, adding that they “challenged the suspect and were able to take that person into custody,” The Sun reported.
State Sen. Martín Quezada tweeted: “I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate. There are multiple victims.”
He added: “I saw 2 victims with my own eyes. Not sure how many others. I saw the shooter. Being told not to say anything else about details ’til I speak to police. I’m ok. Lots of shaken up people.”
Quezada told 12News: “I saw him through my window after the shots were fired. He was walking calmly while reloading his weapon.”
The suspect’s mother told the outlet that he attended Raymond Kellis High School. A former classmate also identified him as the suspect.
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers arrived at the scene several hours after the shooting and said: “I want everyone to know that this is not normal. We’re dealing with somebody who obviously had issues,” according to 12News.
Gov. Doug Ducey issued the following statement: “First and foremost, our hearts and prayers are with the individuals and families impacted tonight, as well as the first responders and police officers who are on the scene.
“As we learn additional details, the state is here to continue to offer its full support to the victims and to the community,” he added.
Westgate Entertainment District said in a statement that they were “deeply troubled by this incident and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.
“Westgate will continue to work closely with the Glendale Police Department and in-house security to best ensure the safety of our customers, tenants and residents,” the statement added.
