Irving, TX — Tragedy struck a local Chick-fil-A in Irving when two individuals were fatally shot in the parking lot on Wednesday afternoon, triggering a manhunt for the suspected assailant. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to an arrest.
Chelsey Jones, spokesperson for the Irving Police Department, disclosed that officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:50 p.m. in response to a shooting incident that occurred in the 5300 block of North MacArthur Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims suffering from fatal gunshot wounds and pronounced deceased at the location by emergency medical teams from the Irving Fire Department.
As of now, details regarding the identity of the victims or their relationship to the shooter, if any, have not been released. The police are conducting a thorough investigation to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and to establish a motive, which remains unclear.
The local community has been left shaken by the incident. The Citrus Square retail area, commonly bustling with activity and families, became a scene of chaos as patrons and staff at the Chick-fil-A and adjoining businesses were evacuated or instructed to seek shelter during the initial response by law enforcement.
“This kind of incident is shocking and deeply distressful for our community,” Jones said. “Ensuring the safety of our citizens is our top priority. We are working tirelessly to apprehend the individual responsible for this heinous act.”
The police department has reached out to witnesses and is reviewing surveillance video from the area. They strongly encourage anyone with information about the shooting or the whereabouts of the suspected shooter to contact the Irving Police Department immediately.
Community leaders and local officials have expressed their condolences and are organizing community support meetings to help residents cope with the aftermath of the shooting. Additionally, mental health resources are being made available to help those traumatized by the day’s events.
In a statement from the mayor’s office, a plea was made to the public for cooperation with the police during this critical time. “The swift resolution to this tragedy depends on community members coming together to aid our police force. Anyone with even the slightest piece of information should come forward. It is our collective responsibility to maintain the safety and integrity of our town.”
The investigation remains ongoing as forensic teams continue to examine the scene. The broader implications of safety in public spaces are also being revisced by local authorities to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, residents and business owners are grappling with returning to daily life amidst the somber atmosphere that has temporarily replaced the once vibrant community hub.