Timeline of how city officials and law enforcement kept the public informed during Cielo Vista Mall shooting

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The public was first alerted of the deadly shooting through Twitter from the El Paso Police Department's account at 5:19 p.m.

The initial alert read, "Police are responding to shots fired in the food court of Cielo Vista Mall, scene still active. Avoid the area."

El Paso Police sent out a second tweet at 5:47 p.m., "Mall scene is still active please avoid the area. Multiple agencies responding to the area."

An emergency alert was sent to phones across the area, informing the public of the Family Reception Center, which was located at the Burges High School main gym.

City officials, including Interim Police Chief Peter Pacillas, held press conferences at 9:05 p.m. Wednesday evening, and noon on Thursday.

El Paso Police alerted the public at 2:50 p.m. Thursday afternoon that they can recover their property and vehicles.