US: Shooting at many government buildings in Texas state

Early on the morning of November 28 (local time), in Austin, the capital of the US state of Texas, a man opened fire at many important state agencies, including the police headquarters and the Mexican consulate.

The perpetrator was shot dead shortly afterwards.

Police cordoned off the scene of the shooting. (Source: AP)

Texas authorities said the perpetrator, Larry McQuilliams, 49, at around 2 a.m. (local time), fired more than 100 shots into at least three key buildings in the city, including the federal courthouse, police headquarters and the Mexican consulate.

Police confirmed the suspect is now dead, but it is unclear whether he was shot by police or committed suicide. Investigators said McQuilliams also tried to set fire to the Mexican consulate, but the fire was extinguished before it could cause serious damage.

According to the city's police chief, Art Acevedo, the suspect is white and has a criminal record. The fact that the perpetrator targeted the Mexican consulate and several government buildings suggests that the act was motivated by anti-government and anti-immigration policies. However, Mr. Acevedo emphasized to the press that this is just initial speculation.

In a statement released shortly afterward, Mexico's Foreign Ministry expressed "deep concern" and "strongly condemned" the violence. The statement said no consular staff were injured in the incident, which occurred outside of working hours, but some material damage was caused.

There is currently no evidence that this shooting was aimed at the Mexican diplomatic representative in the US. Consul General Rosalba Ojeda is currently maintaining close exchanges and contacts with federal and local authorities./.

According to VNA