At least one person was killed and five others were injured after gunfire erupted inside the food court of Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Friday, authorities said, according to AP.
Police said the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between two groups and was not a random attack. Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse told AP that five people had been taken into custody and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The incident began around 1.30 pm when an argument between the two groups escalated into gunfire, according to police. Authorities had initially said as many as 10 people were injured, but later revised the number to five.
According to police and witnesses, the shooting sent shoppers and employees scrambling for safety. Desire Batton, who works at a clothing store, said she and colleagues rushed into a breakroom. “We hid in there until cops came and got us,” Batton said.
Police appealed for witnesses to share any videos of the shooting. By late afternoon, dozens of police vehicles remained at the scene, helicopters circled overhead and armed officers continued patrols.
Mall spokesperson Lindsay Kahn called it a “frightening day” and said the mall would remain closed for the rest of the day.
Witness Kennedy Barnum said she saw people running and crying after hearing reports of an active shooter. “We should leave immediately,” she recalled being told by a security guard.
