Police received calls at about 1:22 pm reporting gunfire in the food court area, Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said. Video surveillance showed the two groups arguing before opening fire on one another, Morse added. Several of the people involved ran off as a large police presence responded. Paramedics established a triage center near JCPenney, according to WAFB.
At least two of the injured required surgery, Morse said. Two people are in critical condition, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department via WAFB. The discrepancy in reporting may affect public perception of the severity of injuries; The Independent cites police via WAFB for the critical condition figure, while other sources do not specify critical condition. All injured were transported to local hospitals.
To the thugs that did this, we’re going to catch you.
Authorities are looking for suspects with assistance from multiple agencies, including the FBI and ATF, according to multiple reports. Authorities are searching for up to two shooters, according to two sources. "To the thugs that did this, we're going to catch you," Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards said at a press conference. Morse said, "Right now there is no known threat to the public. Right here is the safest place in Baton Rouge."
The incident is the second high-profile case of gun violence in Louisiana that week. Earlier in the week, a father fatally shot eight children and wounded two adults in Shreveport, police said. Governor Jeff Landry said on social media, "I am in coordination with law enforcement and we will update as we know more. Please avoid the area." Attorney General Liz Murrill said on social media that she had spoken to District Attorney Hillar Moore, who is actively monitoring the situation.
I believe several different guns went off. Soon after, everybody started running.
According to The Guardian - World, an unidentified woman on the phone described an active shooter in the mall. Stanley Jackson, a FedEx employee and witness, told The Guardian - World that he believed several different guns went off and soon after everybody started running. Jackson also described seeing four people lying on the ground and bleeding.
The motive for the argument that led to the shooting remains unknown. It is unclear how many suspects are involved and whether any have been identified. The current condition of the injured, especially those in critical condition, has not been fully disclosed. Authorities have not said whether any weapons were recovered at the scene. It is also unknown what security measures the mall had in place, such as metal detectors or armed guards.
I saw four people lying on the ground and bleeding.
I am in coordination with law enforcement and we will update as we know more. Please avoid the area.
I have spoken to District Attorney Hillar Moore, who is actively monitoring the situation involving a weapon or weapons being discharged in the Food Court at the Mall of Louisiana. More details will be available soon.
We are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement officials.