Off-duty border agent steps in as multiple people are stabbed inside Midland Sam’s Club

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An off-duty Border Patrol agent stopped a possible mass stabbing Saturday evening at a Sam’s Club in Midland, Texas.

U.S. Border Patrol officials said an off-duty agent was shopping when a man with a knife began assaulting several people, including two children and a Sam’s Club employee.

The agent identified himself as law-enforcement and drew his firearm, which prompted the man to drop the knife, authorities said. The agent and Sam’s Club employee who was stabbed in the incident held the suspect until Midland police officers arrived at the scene.

“The quick action of our agent ended this shocking situation and clearly saved multiple lives,” Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak said. “I’m proud of our agents as they are valuable members of our communities. This is another example of how we protect America.”

The circumstances around the incident are currently under investigation by Midland police. The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Jose Gomez, was taken into custody. Two victims are in critical condition and the third is in stable condition at a Midland-area hospital.

Gomez is charged with three counts of attempted capital murder and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.