Mall of Louisiana shooting: 1 person dead, several wounded
10 injured, 2 critical in shooting at Mall of Louisiana
At least 10 people were injured, including two in critical condition, in a shooting Thursday at the Mall of Louisiana, authorities said. The Baton Rouge Police Department said the incident does not appear to pose an ongoing threat to the public. Police Chief TJ Morse said the gunfire followed a dispute between two groups inside the mall’s food court and was not a random attack. No arrests had been announced, and those involved remained at large.
Multiple people were shot inside the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge Thursday.
Authorities described the shooting inside the mall as a confrontation between two groups of people and not a random attack. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said some innocent bystanders were struck by gunfire.
Police Chief TJ Morse said five people were in custody and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Here's the latest:
1 person dead, 5 injured
6:30 p.m. CT: The exchange of gunfire at the food court on Thursday killed one person and wounded five others, police confirmed.
3 high school seniors among victims in shooting
5:30 p.m. CT: Three high school seniors from Ascension Episcopal School were among the victims of the shooting, according to a Facebook post from Lafayette Parish President Monique Blanco Boulet.
"We are heartbroken by the senseless violence that happened today at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge," she said, adding that she was asking her community to "join us in holding all of these families close in prayer."
Rachel Delcambre, a spokesperson for the school, said in an email that the school would not be giving additional information at this time "out of deep respect for the families and the sensitivity of this situation."
Louisiana on edge after mall shooting, mass shooting threat
3:02 p.m. CT: The mall shooting in Baton Rouge comes several hours after police in Florida arrested a North Carolina man who was on his way to Louisiana to carry out a mass shooting at a "large festival in New Orleans." Jazz Fest, which draws 60,000-70,000 people a day, starts Thursday.
10 people hurt, police chief says
2:50 p.m. CT: Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas S. "TJ" Morse Jr. said the shooting appeared to be targeted after an argument between two groups near the food court escalated, and the two groups began shooting at each other.
"Unfortunately there was some innocent people in the area that might have also caught some rounds," Morse told reporters.
Morse said 10 people were hurt with "various levels of injuries." Two people are reportedly in critical condition.
"Definitely our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims involved in this," Morse said.
"The devil lives everywhere," Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards said.
No arrests had been made as of 3 p.m. local time.
ATF, FBI on scene
2:22 p.m. CT: Officers from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are at the scene, along with the FBI.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said "a weapon or weapons" were discharged in the food court area of the mall.
Mall of Louisiana active shooter
The shooting was first reported as an active shooter situation, with Louisiana's governor asking the public to avoid the area.
What they're saying:
"I am aware of the active shooter scene at the Mall of Louisiana," Gov. 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.
Shooting at Mall of Louisiana injures multiple people (WAFB)
"Sharon and I are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement."
The Source: This report includes information from WBRZ, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.