Shooting at Allen Outlets: Mall security guard died trying to protect others
ALLEN, Texas – More stories of bravery and heroism are emerging from the shooting at the Allen Outlets mall that left eight people dead.
Among the victims killed was Christian LaCour, 20, who worked at the mall as a security guard. People who knew him say they weren’t surprised that he died trying to protect others.
Those who work at the mall say LaCour has always been warm and willing to help out. One store manager says she stopped by to say hello to her employees nearly every day she worked. She says she took her job extremely seriously and protected others.
Eight innocent people came to the mall on Saturday for different reasons, but eight people never went home.
For Christian LaCour, Saturday started off as another day on the job as a security guard at the Allen Outlets.
Store manager Andria Gaither saw him drive by on his segway just hours before chaos erupted.
“Everyone was very fond of him,” he said.
On Tuesday, Allen police revealed that LaCour, a graduate of Farmersville High School, sacrificed his life Saturday to save others.
Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey acknowledged LaCour’s heroic actions days after the shooting.
“We must also acknowledge the bravery of Allied security guard Christian LaCour who evacuated one individual to safety and was shot as he courageously stood by to help others,” Harvey said.
“I really think he died protecting the people who work here and the people who shop here,” Gaither said.
A few days before the shooting, LaCour offered to walk Gaither to his car after hours to feel safe. That was the last time Gaither says he spoke face-to-face with LaCour.
“He was brave. That is beyond doubt,” she said.
For Gaither, getting back to work will be difficult when the time comes, especially not seeing their familiar security guard on call.
“I think he should 100% be remembered as a hero. Because that’s what he was,” she said.
The Farmersville Independent School District released a statement about LaCour saying, “Christian was known as a genuinely kind person. He was a dedicated student who enjoyed learning and asking challenging questions. Christian was a wonderful friend and good student who fellow students and FISD staff members loved.”
How to help
The FBI said it had spotted several fake online fundraisers for victims of the shooting.
A list of approved and verified fundraisers can be found on the City of Allen website.
The city says The Allen, TX Shooting Victims’ Fund guarantees that the families of the victims and injured will receive 100 percent of the funds.
The Support for Allen fund will provide money to local non-profit agencies that provide mental health pain and trauma support to victims, their families and first responders.
