At least one person has been killed and five others injured after an exchange of gunfire between two groups inside the food court at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Thursday, according to police.
Details of the Incident
Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse reported that officers received calls at approximately 1:22 pm regarding shots fired in the food court area. Video surveillance later revealed that two groups had been arguing before opening fire on each other. Several individuals fled the scene as a large police presence responded.
"To the thugs that did this, we're going to catch you," said Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards during a press briefing.
Victims and Suspects
The deceased victim has not yet been identified. Morse initially reported ten wounded but later clarified that five people were injured and transported to hospital, with at least two requiring surgery. Five individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Authorities are working with multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), to locate additional suspects. "Two groups of people got into an argument inside the food court and started shooting at each other," Morse said. "Unfortunately there were some innocent people in the area who might have also caught some rounds."
Witness Accounts
Stanley Jackson, a FedEx employee, told the Advocate that he was on the mall's second level when the shooting began. He reported hearing "several different guns go off" and seeing people running. Jackson observed four individuals lying on the ground bleeding.
Kennedy Barnum, 22, recounted to the Associated Press that she was at the food court when she overheard a woman on the phone saying, "I'll call you back. There's an active shooter in the mall." Barnum described scenes of panic as law enforcement arrived within minutes.
A staff member from WBRZ was among those moved to a secure holding area inside the mall, while officers escorted others to their vehicles.
Official Response
Governor Jeff Landry stated that he had been briefed on the incident and urged residents to avoid the area. In a statement on X, he said: "My wife and I are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement officials."
Chief Morse assured the public that there is no ongoing threat, adding, "Right now there is no known threat to the public. Right here is the safest place in Baton Rouge." He encouraged anyone with video footage to share it with investigators.
Context
This shooting follows another violent incident earlier this week in Louisiana, where eight children were killed and two adults wounded in a mass shooting in Shreveport, which police described as a "domestic violence incident."
