Victim of Allen outlet mall shooting shares journey towards recovery

Survivor of Allen Premium Outlet mall shooting speaks about recovery.

DALLAS -- It has been one month since the tragic mass shooting at Allen Premium Outlet mall in which eight people, including four children, lost their lives.

On that fateful day, several individuals were injured as they ran for cover. Presently, two victims remain hospitalized in McKinney, Texas.

One survivor, Irvin Walker, is now speaking out about his journey to recovery since the shooting on May 6.

Walker was shot while attempting to find parking. Multiple bullets from the gunman's assault rifle pierced his vehicle.

"I have come to understand that my life will never be the same," Walker expressed. "But I am taking it one day at a time."

Moments before the shooting, Walker dropped off his girlfriend outside one of the shops while he searched for parking. He recalls that everything unfolded rapidly.

"As I was driving, I suddenly felt impacted by shrapnel or fragments from the shooter shooting into my windshield," Walker recounted. "I looked down at my chest, and I was taken aback, realizing that I was bleeding."

Walker immediately exited his car and attempted to find safety. A security officer, who was also shot, directed the 46-year-old, who was bleeding profusely, to the sidewalk while calling for assistance.

"When I no longer heard any bullets, I ran into a store, hoping to hide and wait for the danger to pass," Walker explained. "It was during this moment of reflection while lying on the floor that I realized if I remained there for too long, I would bleed out. This prompted me to get up, go back outside, and seek help. Eventually, I received the assistance I needed."

Walker was swiftly transported to a local hospital where he underwent numerous surgeries. Throughout his ordeal, he credits his faith for providing him with the strength to endure.

"My faith has been my guiding light through every adversity I have faced," Walker shared. "As I grow older, my faith only becomes stronger. I must lean in and trust in the power and aid of my faith during these trying times."

Walker acknowledges that he will never be the same emotionally or physically. He is currently unable to work and is also grappling with the damage to his car caused during the shooting, as he seeks a way to replace it.

Nevertheless, Walker expresses gratitude for still being alive and having the opportunity to continue living. However, he admits feeling uncomfortable in certain environments and has no desire to visit the Allen Premium Outlet mall.

"There are places that I avoid. I have not yet returned to the mall. I am simply trying to stay away from places with loud noises and large crowds," Walker stated.

Despite the progress made, Walker's road to recovery remains long. Meanwhile, his attorney, Daryl Washington, continues to investigate the events that unfolded at the outlet mall.

Last week, most of the stores at the mall reopened to shoppers. However, the H&M clothing store, where the shooting initially occurred, remains closed. It is scheduled to reopen on Monday, June 12.

The mall is also collaborating with the City of Allen to develop plans for a permanent memorial honoring the shooting victims.

Share With Others