Two gunmen were shot dead in Garland, Texas, last night after opening fire outside an art exhibit focused on the Prophet Muhammad–depictions of whom are considered blasphemous by many Muslims. CNN reports that the suspects drove up to the Culwell Event Center in North Garland and began firing just as the “Muhammad Art Exhibit and Cartoon Contest“ was coming to a close. “The first suspect was shot immediately,“ Garland Mayor Douglas Athas told the outlet. “The second suspect was wounded and reached for his backpack. He was shot again.“ The only other victim was an unarmed security guard who was shot in the leg, but released from a hospital after being treated.
Now, as the hours since the attack wear on, we’re learning that both gunmen resided here in Phoenix. According to the FBI, 31 year-old Elton Simpson and his roommate–allegedly the second shooter involved in the incident, but who has yet to be named–lived at the Autumn Ridge Apartments north of Thunderbird Road on 19th Avenue…a location that continues to sport a heavy law enforcement presence currently, and likely will continue to do so for quite some time. As such, to not encounter traffic issues, you might want to avoid the area altogether, as the investigation continues…
BREAKING: Shooting At Muhammad Art Exhibit In Garland « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2015/05/03/breaking-shooting-in-garland/
Two shot dead after they open fire at Mohammed cartoon event in Texas – CNN.com: http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/03/us/mohammed-drawing-contest-shooting/