An Acadiana man who was working inside the Mall of Louisiana described the terrifying moments he and other employees experienced during a gunfight that led to five injuries and one death.
Inside the Mall of Louisiana During Gunfight
A mall employee, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted the chaotic scene and the horrifying aftermath of the shooting, which took place in the food court area. The employee shared that a video from another witness showed the gruesome scene, capturing victims in distress and the quick actions of bystanders trying to assist.
The video showed one victim sitting in the food court, bleeding from a graze wound to her foot. Nearby, two men performed chest compressions on another victim who appeared to be unresponsive. Blood was visible on the floor, and another victim was seen with an injured leg, speaking to someone on the phone.
The video offers only a small glimpse of the horror that unfolded during the gunfight in the mall’s food court.
Employee’s Recollection of the Shooting
The anonymous employee, who was working at a clothing store near the food court, said the shooting was incredibly close. He heard multiple gunshots — six or seven — followed by screams and panicked customers running. He immediately went into “flight or fight mode,” ushering customers to the back of the store.
“I was just trying to get all the customers and everybody to the back,” the employee said. “Everybody escaped through the back-alley way.”
The employee and the customers were able to reach a break room and then exit the building through fire escape tunnels leading outside. They ran to their vehicles and quickly drove away from the mall, only learning the full extent of the violence after they had reached safety.
Aftermath and Law Enforcement Response
As the shooting occurred, law enforcement arrived on the scene, helping the victims and ensuring the safety of others in the mall. The employee mentioned that once they were outside, they could hear the police asking victims questions and administering medical aid.
