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Texas mall shooter failed Army infantry training over mental health – By Davis Winkie and Nikki Wentling (Military Times) / May 8, 2023
The suspect in the deadly shooting at an Allen, Texas, outlet mall Saturday was discharged from the U.S. Army after three months of service, according to military officials.
Mauricio Garcia, 33, entered the Army in June 2008 and was terminated without completing initial entry training, said Heather Hagan, a spokeswoman with Army Public Affairs. He earned no awards — including the National Defense Service Medal, then awarded to initial training graduates — and never became qualified in a career field, she indicated.
An Army official added Garcia was separated through a policy that allows commanders to terminate soldiers because of physical or mental conditions that interfere with their duties. The official did not specify what condition led to Garcia’s separation.
