A horrific mass shooting at a Louisiana shopping centre has left ten people injured after a argument between two groups in a food court escalated into an exchange of gunfire. At least one suspect is still at large with the Governor of Louisiana confirming there’s an “active shooter scene” at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.
The attack unfolded at around 1.22pm local time near the food court, city police said. Two of the ten injured victims are believed to be in a critical condition. Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr said surveillance footage showed it was a “targeted” attack as “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 police chief continued: “Right now, we have 10 victims at local area hospitals, some transported by EMS, and some arriving by private vehicle,” he said.
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.
Police say there is no known threat to the public. The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also at the scene.
Images shared online showed a massive police presence at the mall. One man said he and his wife were grateful for the quick response from the emergency services.
“I am aware of the active shooter scene at the Mall of Louisiana,” Gov. Jeff Landry said. “I am in coordination with law enforcement and we will update as we know more. Please avoid the area.”
Police said some of the victims are undergoing surgery, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) confirmed six victims were taken to hospital.
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.”
