Snapchat gunman, 20, ‘a self-confessed woman hating Incel cult member’ it’s revealed after mass shooting at Arizona mall – The Sun
A GUNMAN wielding an AR-15 shot at least three people at an Arizona mall because he was "self-professed" involuntarily celibate (Incel).
During Armando Hernandez's initial court appearance, it emerged the 20-year-old opened fire at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale on Wednesday evening because he was "taking out his expressed anger with society".
In a clip obtained by 12 News a prosecutor said Hernandez had "the feeling that women don't want him".
He said: "He is a self professed Incel, which means he claims he is involuntarily celibate. He was deeply angered by this.
"In his interview, he specifically said that he was targeting couples."
The prosecutors later added that Hernandez wanted "people to feel the pain that he feels on a daily basis" and that he was "very open to the fact that he had a dark side and that the dark side was coming out".
The court appearance comes after police released a mugshot for the gunman suspected of shooting three people at an Arizona shopping mall while filming the massacre on Snapchat.
He is a self professed Incel, which means he claims he is involuntarily celibate… He was deeply angered by this
Armando Hernandez is facing 16 felony charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault resulting in serious physical injury.
Sergeant Randy Stewart from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said Hernandez admitted to being the gunman and told investigators he went to the shopping center because he wanted to harm 10 people.
Sgt Stewart said: "He wanted to gain some respect and he felt he had been bullied in his life."
Stewart also confirmed Hernandez shared clips on Snapchat during the rampage that were later circulated on social media.
In it, he says: "Hello, my name is Armando Junior Hernandez and I'm gonna be the shooter of Westgate 2020."
He flashes a can of Foster beer before showing off guns and ammunition in the backseat.
He added: "Let's get this done."
Police were called to the Westgate Entertainment District at 7.25pm on Wednesday evening after receiving reports of an active shooter.
The suspect was pictured calmly walking across the parking lot of the center with a weapon.
Video showed terrified shoppers fleeing in panic at the sound of gunfire.
Glendale Police Officer Tiffany Ngalula said shooting was over by the time officers arrived, adding police "challenged the suspect and were able to take that person into custody".
He was later filmed surrendering to police outside the center.
One person has been hospitalized and is in critical condition, while at least two others are injured, she said.
Police, accompanied by a K-9 unit, locked down the area as they searched for any more victims or suspects.
US Marshals were later seen at the suspects house in Peoria, about four miles north of Glendale.
His mother later told 12News: “I have no idea why he did this."
She drove over to Westgate when her younger son told her “Armando’s going crazy", the station reported.
Arizona State Senator Martín Quezada tweeted: "I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate.
"I saw two victims with my own eyes. Not sure how many others 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."
The Senator also told 12News: "I saw him through my window after the shots were fired. He was walking calmly while reloading his weapon."
The Westgate shopping center is part of a complex that includes arenas for Cardinals football and Coyotes hockey.
It was busy after many of its stores and restaurants reopened after being closed for more than a month due to the coronavirus outbreak.
After shoppers were told to stay in place, there was a power outage which affected the local area, which caused some local residents to come onto the street while the shooter was still active.
A Westgate representative told The Sun: "We are deeply troubled by this incident and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.
"Westgate will continue to work closely with the Glendale Police Department and in-house security to best ensure the safety of our customers, tenants and residents."
One Twitter user, Alfredo Guerrero, claimed that his family members heard over 60 shots.
"My family is stuck in their apartment with no lights on they heard over 60 to 70 shots and now there’s helicopters and cops everywhere." he posted.
The Governor of Arizona confirmed that the situation is being looked into.
Gov Doug Ducey wrote: "We are monitoring this closely. @Arizona_DPS has been in contact with @GlendaleAZPD throughout the situation and the state stands ready to support."
He said later: “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.
“The state is here to continue to offer its full support to the victims and to the community.”
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