US President shares “thoughts and prayers” over Texas shooting while a second mass shooting happens in Ohio

PHOTO: France 24

US President Donald Trump and wife Melania have sent “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to the families and friends of victims in one of two mass murder gun attacks in the past 24 hours.

About 20 people were killed and 26 injured in a shooting rampage at a Walmart and neighbouring stores in El Paso, Texas on Saturday afternoon (August 3). A 21 year old male suspect, Patrick Crusius, has reportedly been taken into custody and is being questioned.

The latest shooting incident sent shoppers racing for cover amid chaotic scenes and prompted a massive police and medical response, local authorities and government officials said.

At least 23 are still being treated in hospitals, according to the latest reports.

The governor of Texas confirmed that 20 people had been killed in the shooting. US President Donald Trump condemned the killings via Twitter.

“God be with you all.”

Meanwhile, the FBI is assisting Dayton police in a second shooting incident.

The shooting happened after 1:00am Eastern US Time in a popular area in downtown Dayton, Ohio. According to police, the shooter, who is now dead, used a long gun. A motive for the shooting is not known.

The shooting in Dayton, Ohio that left nine people dead and at least 16 others injured was the second mass shooting incident in the US in less than 24 hours.

The two deadly incidents, 2,500 kilometres apart, are set to reignite the US gun control debate. Democratic leaders in Congress have already called for gun control, with a number of Democratic presidential candidates weighing in.