The shooting occurred around 1:22 pm when two groups began arguing in the food court before opening fire, according to Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse. Video surveillance captured the altercation and subsequent gunfire. At least two of the injured required surgery, and two people are in critical condition, the Baton Rouge Police Department said. Several people involved fled the scene as a large police presence responded. Authorities are searching for up to two shooters, multiple media outlets reported.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear. Kennedy Barnum, 22, said she was at the mall to get lunch when she heard a woman say there was an active shooter in the mall. Barnum described seeing people running and crying as law enforcement arrived within minutes. She said a security guard told her there was an active shooter, people were shot and injured, and they should leave immediately. Stanley Jackson, a FedEx employee, said he was on the mall's second level when the shooting started and heard several different guns go off, according to The Guardian. Jackson saw four people lying on the ground and bleeding.
Law enforcement responded swiftly. Within five minutes, police had swarmed the mall, Barnum said. Chief Morse appealed to witnesses to provide any video of the shooting. The FBI and ATF are assisting in the search for suspects. A staff member of WBRZ was among those moved to a secure holding area, the outlet reported.
In a press conference, Chief Morse assured the public there is no ongoing threat. He said right now there is no known threat to the public and that the mall area is the safest place in Baton Rouge. He also noted that some innocent bystanders may have been struck by stray bullets. Governor Jeff Landry said he had been informed and urged residents to stay away from the area. He said he and his wife are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by law enforcement officials. Attorney General Liz Murrill wrote on X that she has spoken to District Attorney Hillar Moore, who is monitoring the situation. Mayor of Baton Rouge Sid Edwards addressed the perpetrators directly, saying they will be caught.
several different guns went off
Medical personnel set up a triage center near JCPenney, according to WAFB. At least two victims required surgery, and the conditions of the injured vary. The hospital has not released further details on the patients.
The incident follows another shooting earlier this week in Louisiana where eight children were killed and two adults wounded in Shreveport. That mass shooting has heightened concerns about public safety in the state.
Media outlets reported that staff were moved to secure areas, and the public was urged to avoid the mall area. Governor Landry's office reiterated the call for people to stay away to allow emergency responders to work.
Several details remain unknown. The motive for the argument between the two groups has not been determined. It is unclear how many suspects are involved and whether any have been identified. Authorities have not confirmed whether any weapons were recovered at the scene. The connection, if any, between this shooting and the Shreveport incident is also unknown. The condition of the critically injured victims has not been updated.