Phoenix mall shooting suspect told police he did it to 'get respect'
05/21/2020 2:31 pm PDT
via KNXV:
GLENDALE, Ariz. (KNXV) -- A man who opened fire at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale Wednesday night, injuring three people, told police he went to the shopping center to target victims "because he was bullied and wanted respect."
Police said at a Thursday briefing that a 19-year-old man who was shot and taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries remains in critical condition. A 16-year-old girl was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and a 30-year-old woman was also hurt.
Reports of an active shooter came in to Glendale police around 7:55 p.m. and officers arrived at the facility by 8 p.m. One of two responding officers first at the scene was able to take the suspect, 20-year-old Armando Hernandez Jr., into custody without incident. He reportedly admitted to detectives he had gone to Westgate "intending to harm 10 people."
According to police, Hernandez arrived at Westgate, and first surveyed the area before going back to his vehicle, drinking alcohol and retrieving his assault rifle. He could then be seen on video from the scene walking through the center firing shots.
According to police documents, Hernandez said he was targeting people around his age "to shoot so that he could get respect."
Glendale Police have set up a website for the public to upload any photos or video from the scene.
Hernandez is facing 16 felony counts, including charges of aggravated assault, criminal damage, and weapons misconduct.
During an initial appearance before a judge Thursday, a prosecuting attorney alleged Hernandez identified as an “incel” – referring to an online movement of people who say they are “involuntarily celibate” and promote violence against women, the Arizona Republic reports.
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