Authorities in Midland, Texas, say that suspected attacker confirmed dead after shooting and standoff with police.
Published On 12 Jun 2026
At least one person has been killed and nine hospitalised in a shooting in the state of Texas, where authorities say that the suspected attacker, identified as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal, has also been confirmed deceased after a standoff with police.
The shooting took place on Friday morning in the city of Midland, with local witnesses telling the news service The Associated Press that they had heard what they estimated to be about 40 shots fired.
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The city government said in a social media post that the suspected attacker has been confirmed dead, after reportedly barricading himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic for several hours. The Texas Department of Public Safety stated that Villarreal was already being sought by law enforcement and had shot at police during a chase several days ago.
“The active shooter incident has been resolved, and the suspect is confirmed deceased,” the social media post reads. “The scene remains active and has not been cleared. Road closures in the area are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future as the investigation continues.”
Police did not offer details about how Villarreal died, but Mayor Lori Blong stated that law enforcement had used robots and drones to confirm that he was dead.
Midland Memorial Hospital reported that four victims were undergoing surgeries and five others were in stable condition.
“Our thoughts and prayers are absolutely with the victims, and with their families,” Blong said at a news conference.
Villarreal, from the nearby city of Odessa, was wanted for attempted capital murder of a peace officer after opening fire on a Midland police officer who had pulled him over on Wednesday. The officer was not injured and returned fire.
Police responded to reports of an active shooter on Friday with dozens of squad cars and law enforcement vehicles.
