A shooting incident at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge has resulted in two people sustaining critical injuries and multiple others being wounded. The Baton Rouge Police Department reported that ten individuals were hurt during the incident, prompting a swift response from law enforcement who secured the area. Some of the injured victims are currently undergoing surgery.
The shooting is believed to have occurred near the shopping center’s food court around 1:25 pm local time, leading to the establishment of a triage area outside a JCPenney store. Access to the mall has been restricted to emergency personnel only.
Chief TJ Morse stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public and clarified that the shooting stemmed from an argument between two groups that escalated unexpectedly. Unfortunately, innocent bystanders were also caught in the crossfire, Morse added.
Mayor-president Sid Edwards of Baton Rouge confirmed his presence at the mall, where a command post has been set up to manage the situation. He assured the safe evacuation of all civilians from the premises and requested prayers for the victims and their families. Edwards also issued a stern message to the perpetrators, vowing to apprehend them.
Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, located nearby, advised against visiting the facility at that time and directed family members of those affected to report to the hospital’s main entrance. The hospital stressed that it was on secured access and urged visitors to refrain from coming unless necessary, with emergency services remaining operational.
Governor Jeff Landry acknowledged the active shooter situation at the Mall of Louisiana and urged people to avoid the area for safety reasons. He expressed gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement officials and offered thoughts and prayers for those impacted.
Attorney General Liz Murrill mentioned ongoing monitoring of the situation involving gunfire at the mall’s Food Court and urged the public to steer clear of the area while multiple law enforcement agencies responded. Further updates on the incident were promised as details unfolded.
