Death toll in Texas shooting rises to 7: police

The death toll in the second mass shooting in Texas in just one month has risen.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ODESSA POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL GERKE:

"As we stand, 22 people are injured, three of them law enforcement, and very, very sadly, seven people have been killed. Seven of our citizens. Those seven victims have ranged in age from 15 year to 57."

Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke delivered the news to reporters on Sunday, one day after the shooting rampage that shook the tight-knit community.

The bloodshed began on Saturday afternoon, when the gunman was stopped on Interstate 20 between the West Texas cities of Midland and Odessa.

Police said the suspect, a white man in his 30s, shot the police officer who pulled him over. He then took off towards Odessa where he drove to a Home Depot and opened fire on passersby.

At some point, authorities say, the suspect hijacked a postal van which he crashed into a stationary vehicle outside a movie theater complex.

A gun battle with police ensued, and the suspect was shot dead.

Just 4 weeks after 22 people were killed at an El Paso Walmart, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott says he's seen too many atrocities in his state.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) TEXAS REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT SAYING:

"I have been to too many of these events... Too many Texans have lost their lives, the status quo in Texas is unacceptable and action is needed."

President Donald Trump responded to the bloodshed on Sunday and said gun background checks would not have prevented the violence.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP SAYING:

"It's a mental problem, it's a big problem."

The city of Odessa is holding a prayer vigil Sunday evening. So far the motive for the carnage is not yet known.