According to the Pentagon, the man who shot and killed seven people and wounded eight others at an outlet mall in a Dallas suburb attempted to join the US Army years ago, but was terminated three months prior to finishing basic training. The shooter, Mauricio Garcia, had served in the military for a brief period of time, but was discharged due to mental health issues, according to a law enforcement official who was briefed on the investigation.
Army officials confirmed on Monday that Garcia was terminated from the Army for “other designated physical or mental conditions.”
“He was separated under the 2005 edition of Army Regulation 635-200, paragraph 5–17, Other designated physical or mental conditions.”
After being denied entry into the Army during the basic admission period in 2008, Garcia attempted to enlist again, but was reportedly rejected due to mental health concerns.
Heather J. Hagan, a representative for the US Army, stated that Garcia had enlisted in the regular Army in June 2008, but was discharged three months later before completing basic training. He did not receive a military occupational specialization or designated occupation, and had no deployments or awards during his brief military service. Hagan did not disclose whether Garcia was discharged under honorable or other conditions.
On Saturday, Garcia was shot and killed by a police officer in Allen, Texas after the mall shooting.
