WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the shooting over the weekend at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas, that claimed the lives of eight innocent people. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“Last weekend, tragedy struck the city of Allen, Texas.”

“On a beautiful afternoon, people of all ages visited a popular outdoor mall in the suburbs north of Dallas.”

“As we know now, the day took a tragic turn when a man drove up to a crowded shopping mall, and got out of his car with a gun, and began firing.”

“Shoppers ducked behind cars. They ran into stores. Customers crowded into tiny storage rooms. Parents used their own bodies to protect their children. The shooter murdered eight innocent people and wounded seven others before being killed himself by police.”

“At this moment, there’s still a lot we don’t know, and of course at times like this, we are all trying to make sense of this unspeakable tragedy.”

“I’m eager to learn more about the circumstances that led to this attack. But one thing is for sure, and that is that local law enforcement officials leading this investigation and searching for answers have already done heroic work, thanks to an Allen Police Department officer who was at the mall for other reasons, who was able to respond quickly and neutralize the shooter.”

“I am grateful to the police officers, the emergency medical technicians, and health care workers who responded… especially the heroic officer who responded to the gunfire and immediately ran toward the danger.”

“I’ve spoken to local officials who are responding to this crisis, including Mayor Ken Fulk and Police Chief Brian Harvey. I offered any condolences and whatever help we might be able to provide.”

“I join all Texans in grieving for this senseless tragedy. We mourn the eight lives that were stolen and lift up the survivors who will never forget the horror they endured that day.”