Crime
Video shows moments suspect shot and killed by troopers after vehicle crashes into JC Penney at Killeen Mall in Texas
The suspect struck multiple individuals during the incident, causing injuries to at least five people.
Killeen, TX – A chaotic scene unfolded at the Killeen Mall on Saturday night when a high-speed police chase ended with a vehicle crashing into the front entrance of JCPenney and a fatal officer-involved shooting.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sgt. Bryan Washko confirmed that the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was fatally shot by a trooper after driving through the mall’s entrance.
The suspect struck multiple individuals during the incident, causing injuries to at least five people.
Four victims were transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe, while a fifth individual sought medical attention independently.
Video footage of the incident shows the dramatic moments leading up to the fatal confrontation. Following the crash, the suspect reportedly exited the vehicle, prompting troopers to take action.
Early reports on social media created widespread speculation about an active shooter situation at the mall, which Sgt. Washko promptly addressed.
“Let me reiterate, this is not an active shooter situation,” Sgt. Washko stated. “There’s a lot of chatter online suggesting that, but I want to be clear—that did not happen.”
The Killeen Police Department echoed this sentiment in a Facebook post, assuring the public that the mall is secure.
“There is no active shooter at the Killeen Mall,” the post read. “DPS, KFD [Killeen Fire Department], and KPD [Killeen Police Department] are on scene investigating. We urge citizens to avoid the area as the investigation continues.”
According to authorities, the incident began as a police pursuit in Belton before concluding in Killeen.
The circumstances surrounding the chase and the actions of the suspect remain under investigation.
As of the latest update, the total number of injured victims and the extent of their injuries are still being confirmed.
Law enforcement officials are working diligently to piece together the sequence of events and ensure the safety of the community.
The DPS, KPD, and KFD are conducting a joint investigation, and more information is expected to be released as details emerge. Residents are urged to avoid the Killeen Mall area while authorities process the scene.
Crime
Indiana Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening to Assassinate President Trump in TikTok Videos
A 23-year-old Indiana man has been arrested and charged with making threats against former President Donald Trump after allegedly posting multiple threatening videos on TikTok, federal authorities announced Thursday.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Douglas Thrams posted a series of videos between Monday—when Trump was inaugurated—and Wednesday, in which he allegedly threatened anti-government violence and called for the assassination of the former president.
In one of the videos cited in the complaint, Thrams reportedly stated, “Every U.S. government building needs to be bombed immediately.” He further escalated his rhetoric by saying, “He [Trump] needs to be assassinated, and this time, don’t… miss,” using explicit language.
Authorities noted that Thrams’ statements were particularly concerning in light of previous assassination attempts targeting Trump, including an incident last year at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president sustained a minor injury to his ear.
Additionally, an FBI affidavit revealed that in another video, Thrams was seen holding a rifle and tapping it, an action investigators interpreted as an implied threat.
Thrams was taken into custody on Thursday and has been charged with “interstate communications with a threat to injure,” a federal offense.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed any further potential threats. Thrams is expected to appear in federal court in the coming days.