The investigation into Allen’s outlet shooting has been going on for years

ALLEN (CBSNewsTexas.com) – There are still many unanswered questions about the high-powered rifle used in the Allen outlet shooting.

CBS News Texas has learned that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) sent inquiries to area gun dealers over the weekend in their efforts to trace its history and ensure it was purchased legally.

Meanwhile, the emerging picture of the suspected shooter continues to darken through creepy and hidden social media accounts.

The terror inflicted on shoppers right in the middle of the Allen outlet lasted only moments.

But the investigations into it go back years, piecing together the movement and mentality of the suspected shooters up until Saturday afternoon.

Authorities found social media posts believed to be from Mauricio Garcia’s accounts that included extremist views, photos of tactical equipment and references to mass shootings.

Authorities raided both the dead suspect’s northwest Dallas motel room and the east Dallas home where his mother lives.

It is still unclear whether the suspect was working somewhere after losing his license to be a security guard in 2020.

Records show he dropped out of the military after only a few months in 2008.

The only explanation for this was physical or mental health problems.

This unspent round at the scene of Saturday’s shooting was just part of an arsenal that authorities said included seven handguns along with unused ammunition, much of it found in the suspect’s car.

So the authorities have a lot to work with, but the one major thing they don’t have, at least they’re not telling us yet if they do, is a clear motive for the mass murder.