The Baton Rouge Louisiana mall incident erupted after two groups argued at a food court, police said. At least one suspect is still being sought
One person has been killed and at least five others wounded following a horrific shooting at a Louisiana shopping centre on Thursday. The incident is thought to have started after two groups became involved in an argument at a food court, according to police.
Police Chief TJ Morse said five people were in custody and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The incident occurred at approximately 1.22pm local time, city police said. Earlier reports indicated at least 10 people were left injured, with two thought to be in a critical condition. Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr said surveillance footage suggested “two groups of people got into an argument inside the food court and started shooting at each other”.
“Unfortunately, there were some innocent people that were in the area that might have also caught some rounds”, he added.
The shooting does not appear to be a random act of violence, “but a very targeted kind of disagreement between two groups of people,” Morse said.
The gunfire sent terrified shoppers fleeing and diving for cover in shops and changing rooms at Louisiana’s largest mall as people warned others to “take cover” and “get down,” witnesses say.
The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives attended the scene alongside police officers. Photographs circulated online revealed a significant police presence at the shopping centre. One man stated that he and his wife were thankful for the swift response from the emergency services.
“I am aware of the active shooter scene at the Mall of Louisiana,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “I am in coordination with law enforcement and we will update as we know more. Please avoid the area.”
Officers confirmed that some of the victims are undergoing surgery, according to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Sid Edwards, Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, said: “I’m on scene at the mall. We have set up a command post. There has been a shooting with multiple victims. All civilians have been safely escorted out of the mall. Please keep the victims and their families in your prayers.”
Five individuals were arrested in connection with the shooting, police confirmed in the hours following the incident.
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