Multiple people were shot near the food court at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, prompting a major law enforcement response. Authorities are searching for one or possibly two suspects, local media outlet WAFB reported.
“The shooting is currently under active investigation by the Baton Rouge Police Department. Mall of Louisiana. All injured persons have been evacuated. The gunman remains at large. Please avoid the area,” the Baton Rouge Police Department said in a statement.
Initial reports indicate that at least 10 people have been hospitalized, but officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of victims.
Police said the shooting appeared to be stemmed from a dispute.
“It appeared to be targeted. Two groups got into an argument in the food court and began shooting at each other,” authorities said in a news release.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry confirmed it remains an “active shooting scene,” adding that he was coordinating with law enforcement.
“I am aware of a shooting that occurred at the Louisiana Mall. I am coordinating with law enforcement and we will update as we learn more. Please avoid the area. Sharon and I are praying for those affected and thank our law enforcement officials for their quick response.”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Muriel added: “I have spoken with District Attorney Hilal Moore and he is actively monitoring the situation where weapons were discharged within the Louisiana Mall food court. Multiple law enforcement agencies are responding – please avoid the area. More details will be announced soon.”
The FBI’s New Orleans field office said in a statement that it “is aware of the incident at the Mall of Louisiana and is working with our partners to respond. At this time, this is all the information we can provide.”
Several witnesses and local residents reported the incident on social media.
“Avoid the Louisiana Mall. Please stay away from the Louisiana Mall area immediately. Gunshots were heard near Dick’s Sporting Goods. Sounded like multiple gunshots,” one resident wrote.
Another added, “Something serious is going on near the Louisiana Mall! I saw over 30 police officers flying down the interstate in that direction. Helicopters overhead. Check your people!”
A third reported: “Mall of Louisiana… I hear there might be a shooter… this is no joke, guys.”
Another added, “The Louisiana Mall is full of police and helicopters are flying over. What’s going on.”
Another resident wrote: “There is an active shooter at the Louisiana Mall. I got information from someone who works there and he is cordoned off. The shooter opened fire in the food court and they haven’t heard gunfire since. That’s it for now. Please check in on everyone you know.”
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