“This can’t be happening”: Allen becomes latest U.S. town to grapple with a mass shooting

Allen community members pray at Cottonwood Creek Church during a vigil on May 7, 2023, to mourn the lives of eight killed during a shooting at the local outlet mall a day earlier. Hundreds paid their respects, including Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano. (Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune)

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ALLEN — In the wake of yet another mass shooting, residents of this Dallas suburb on Sunday began a familiar ritual in American life: mourning the dead after a heavily armed man unleashed terror in a public place using a readily attainable military-styled weapon.