Revealed: Texas Mall Gunman Was Removed From The Military Due To Mental Health Concerns

The gunman behind the second-deadliest US mass shooting of the year was terminated from the Army due to health concerns and may have been driven by right-wing extremism, sources told CNN.

Eight people – including two elementary school students – were killed after Saturday’s deadly attack at Allen Premium Outlets, a bustling mall in the affluent Dallas suburb of Allen.

Authorities say Mauricio Garcia used an AR-15-style weapon to carry out the massacre before he was gunned down by a police officer.

Garcia entered the Army in June 2008 but was terminated after three months and did not complete basic training, Army spokesperson Heather Hagan said Monday.

A US defense official said Garcia was separated because of a mental health condition after receiving a mental health evaluation. Under Army regulations at the time, a commander could approve the separation of a service member for physical or mental health conditions that interfere with an assignment or performance of duty.

While no official motive has been released, the gunman was wearing an insignia that authorities believe may be associated with extremist groups, a senior law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CNN.