Texas Governor Greg Abbott retracts statement claiming five victims of Friday shooting were illegal immigrants

(Austin, TX) -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott is walking back claims all five people killed in a shooting last Friday were illegal immigrants.  

In a statement on Monday, the governor's office said they learned at least one of the victims may have been in the United States legally, adding that they regret if the information was incorrect and detracted from the goal of finding the suspect.  

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the five victims that were taken in this senseless act of violence,” said Governor Abbott in a statement released prior to the correction. “I continue working with state and local officials to ensure they have all available resources to respond to this horrific crime. I thank the men and women in law enforcement who are tirelessly working to ensure this criminal is caught and brought to justice.”

Authorities said the five were killed by a neighbor after one of the victims asked him to stop firing gunshots so a baby in their home could sleep.