Suspect in Arizona mall shooting felt 'bullied,' wanted to harm 10 people: Police

The suspect in a mall shooting in Arizona told detectives he wanted to injure 10 people and hoped to gain respect after being bullied earlier in life, police said Thursday.

Armando Hernandez Jr., 20, also told authorities he'd scoped out the scene, went back to his car to retrieve his weapon and loaded three rifle magazines to capacity, according to Glendale Police Sgt. Randy Stewart. Hernandez admitted he was the shooter, and a black assault rifle was recovered at the scene, Stewart added.

Three people were shot at the Westgate Entertainment District, an outdoor mall, on Wednesday night. One victim, a 19-year-old man, was in critical condition as of Thursday, while the other two, a 16-year-old girl and a 30-year-old woman, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police said. All are expected to survive.

"As we begin to emerge from our homes in our public spaces again, evil acts like this have a very, very fearful and paralyzing effect -- that's if we let them," Mayor Jerry Weiers said at a press conference on Thursday. "I'm asking all of you, please don't give into fear. Don't allow senseless acts like this to change your habits."

Officials said the incident took place just before 7:25 p.m. local time at the outdoor mall in Glendale, northwest of Phoenix.

When police arrived at the mall, the scene was no longer active, according to Tiffany Ngalula, a Glendale Police Department public information officer.

Officers said they found the suspect and took him into custody without further incident.

Hernandez is facing 16 felony charges, including two counts of aggravated assault causing serious injury and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Police said he could face additional charges as the investigation continues.

Ngalula said surrounding businesses had been asked to shelter-in-place so authorities could check for additional victims, witnesses or "any other safety issues." Police said they don't believe there are additional suspects.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the individuals and families impacted tonight, as well as the first responders and police officers who are on the scene," Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement Wednesday. "The state is here to continue to offer its full support to the victims and to the community."

Authorities said they were aware of reports of disturbing social media videos of the alleged shooter and ask the public to submit them as evidence.

Officials said the suspect hasn't yet explained why he stopped shooting or why he wanted to harm exactly 10 people.

"We are thankful that this was not a larger-scale tragedy," Ngalula said at a media briefing. "We are thankful that there were no more than three victims or that there have not been any fatalities at this time."

The FBI and ATF are assisting in the investigation.

State Sen. Martín Quezada said he happened to be at the mall and witnessed the attack.

"I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate. There are multiple victims," he wrote on Twitter.

"I saw 2 victims with my own eyes," Quezada added. "Not sure how many others I saw the shooter. Being told not to say anything else about details 'til I speak to police. I'm ok. Lots of shaken up people."

Indoor malls in Arizona began to reopen on May 16 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Outdoor malls began reopening about a week earlier.