Allen shooting survivor reflects a year later – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

A year after surviving the deadly shooting at Allen Premium Outlets, Irvin Walker shares how his life has changed.

Walker knows he is a walking miracle.

“The doctors came in and said, I can’t believe you’re still alive,” Walker said.

On May 6, 2023, he survived a barrage of bullets that pierced his windshield and upper torso in the parking lot of the Allen Mall.

“It’s definitely a miracle. Sometimes I ask why my chest hurts… because I still have metal next to my heart,” Walker said.

Despite the horrors he endured, Walker says his memories focus on the faith that pulled him through and things that were clear.

“That was something to celebrate and that’s the kind of thing to get out alive, right? Get quality care from Medical City. I remember being so happy and thinking that what people were saying was a lie. Irvin, your life, for example, would never be like this. same thing, I thought it will be fine, he said.

Still, 12 months later, Walker admits it was harder than he expected

“Physically, mentally, financially and economically, things have changed for me. The way I made money and brought money into my household, my body, my mind.” Walker said.

Walker said he has difficulty lifting objects heavier than 50 pounds and is still working through the trauma in physical and psychotherapy.

“As part of psychotherapy. I was challenged to visit the mall, and I understand that the reason is to take back my power. I was very worried, a little paranoid just looking at every customer there, and also the realization is like Wow, what all happened here, it’s like people are just shopping like nothing happened,” Walker said “The nights I wake up at 3am and can’t go back to sleep. I think: why me? Could this have been prevented?”

That’s one of the key questions his attorney, Darryl Washington, has explored over the past year.
Washington says he has searched through documents, requested information about the shooter’s military history and interviewed witnesses about the mall’s level of security. He’s trying to figure out if there were enough security personnel to handle the size of the crowd at the mall and if there was anything in the shooter’s past that should have prevented him from getting his hands on a gun.

“If there were people who could have done things differently, we intend to hold them fully accountable for what happened on May 6, 2023,” Washington said. “We know that lawsuits get people’s attention, and we know that. When you get people’s attention, you hope that you can somehow bring about change and I think that would mean the most to Irving .”

Washington said they planned to get through the anniversary, keeping the focus on the victims before filing a lawsuit that they hope will lead to broad security improvements and safer malls.

NBC 5 host Brittney Johnson asked Walker: What’s next for him?

“I believe I’m surviving well, which means I’m not thriving, I’m just alive and kicking. I really want to overcome this,” Walker said.

Walker says he is starting to make more progress in therapy and hopes to overcome his fear of going out in public so he can enjoy his favorite activities again, including going to the movies.

He worked as an insurance consultant and says he’s not sure he’ll be able to climb on roofs again and do what he used to do. Walker says he hopes to one day make a difference for other innocent victims of violence who need ongoing therapy and financial support.

His attorney said they plan to take legal action against the mall’s owners and property management, the shooter’s estate and the military.