A manhunt is underway following a shooting at the huge Mall of America shopping centre which saw people run for their lives as gunfire could be heard ringing out.
Armed cops gathered at The Mall of America which was placed into lockdown and shoppers were told to shelter.
Police now have said that "the scene has been secured" with the suspect having fled "on foot".
A hotel nearby to the shopping centre has now been surrounded by police with the suspect believed to be inside.
A video appears to show a man walking into a Nike store shouting with an automatic weapon and then opening fire, at the Bloomington, Minnesota, shopping centre.
More footage shows people running out of the shop with shots heard and some screaming "close it".
Numerous police entered the shopping centre in what has been called an "isolated incident".
Officers could be seen walking round with their guns raised as they look for the shooter.
Bloomington Police tweeted: "We are currently working an active incident inside Mall of America on the northwest side. Numerous officers are on scene. We will update when we have more information."
It has now confirmed there was a shooting and that they are looking for the gunman.
"We have secured the scene at the Mall of America and can confirm that shots were fired. This is an isolated incident. The suspect fled the MOA on foot and officers are in the process of interviewing witnesses. At this time we have not located a victim," it tweeted.
People in the shopping mall were told to shelter in secure areas over a tannoy.
Many took to social media to say they were hiding in the building.
"On lockdown at Mall of America. Was a shooting. In back room of store now. Waiting till safe," one person wrote.
The shopping centre has tweeted: "Mall of America is now lifting the lockdown. Guests on Level 2 are being asked to wait for an escort from Mall personnel. All other guests should now exit property. The North entrance is closed at this time. Mall of America will remain closed for the rest of the evening."
It earlier said: "Mall of America is currently under lockdown. There is a confirmed isolated incident in a tenant space. Please remain in the closest secure location until the lockdown has been lifted. Please stay tuned for additional updates."
