Roommates, something unsettling went down in Baton Rouge this afternoon. And while details are still coming together, what started as a routine day quickly turned into a scene no one expected. Shoppers at a popular local spot suddenly found themselves caught in chaos, with authorities rushing in and families left searching for answers. Here’s what we know so far…
RELATED: Prayers Up! Ohio High School Student Fatally Shoots Herself In Front Of Classmates In Cafeteria
Louisiana Mall Shooting: Food Court Dispute Turns Violent, Leaving Multiple Injured
According to officials, a shooting broke out around 1:22 p.m. on Thursday at the Mall of Louisiana. Initially, it was reported that the incident left at least 10 people injured, including two in critical condition. However, NBC News now reports one person died from their injuries, while five people were injured.
Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse confirmed the incident was not random, but stemmed from an argument between two groups inside the mall’s food court that escalated into gunfire. “Unfortunately, there were some innocent people that were in the area that might have also caught some rounds,” Morse shared.
Heavy Police Response As Shoppers Flee Louisiana Mall Shooting In Panic
Additional details from the scene paint a clearer picture of just how chaotic things became in those moments. Around 1:40 p.m., dozens of police units surrounded the Mall of Louisiana as panicked shoppers rushed to exit, with some stopping to embrace loved ones while others recorded the aftermath on their phones. Witnesses described a heavy law enforcement presence, with ambulances and fire trucks stationed outside as officers urged people to avoid the area and redirected traffic.
Officials later reiterated that the shooting appears to have been targeted, and surveillance footage reportedly shows two groups arguing before shots were fired. Meanwhile, Mayor-President Sid Edwards vowed that those responsible would be caught, calling out the violence and assuring the community that authorities are actively working to bring the suspects into custody.
Victims Hospitalized As Officials Urge Public To Avoid Area
Emergency responders transported multiple victims to the hospital, while others arrived by private vehicles. Our Lady of the Lake Hospital issued a statement asking family members to report to the main entrance. This, while noting that the facility is on secured access, and requesting that visitors avoid coming unless necessary. Officials, including Mayor-President Sid Edwards and Governor Jeff Landry, set up a command post. And urged the public to stay away from the area as multiple agencies continue investigating.
NBC News adds that five suspects have been taken into custody.
