A tragic shooting at the Mall of Louisiana on Thursday afternoon has left one person dead and nine others injured. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse confirmed that the incident took place inside the mall’s food court when two groups got into an argument and opened fire on each other.
Shooting Details
The shooting occurred at approximately 1:22 p.m. in the mall’s food court area. Chief Morse stated that the incident does not appear to be a random act of violence. The altercation between the two groups quickly escalated, leading to gunfire. By the time emergency responders arrived, multiple people, including bystanders, had been injured.
At least two people are reported to be in critical condition, and many others sustained injuries. Paramedics established a triage area near JC Penney to treat the victims.
Ongoing Search for Suspects
Police are actively searching for one to two shooters involved in the incident. Authorities have cleared the roads around the mall to allow emergency responders to access the scene. Law enforcement is urging people to stay away from the area to avoid further disruption.
Governor’s Statement
Governor Jeff Landry issued a statement shortly after the shooting was confirmed, urging the public to stay clear of the area. He also assured that he was in coordination with law enforcement and thanked them for their quick response to the situation.
“I am aware of the active shooter scene at the Mall of Louisiana. I am in coordination with law enforcement and we will update as we know more. Please avoid the area. Sharon and I are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement officials.”
Mall Location and Restrictions
The Mall of Louisiana is located off Bluebonnet Boulevard, one of the largest shopping centers in Baton Rouge. Access roads to the mall have been restricted to emergency personnel only as police continue to work the scene.
This is still an unfolding story, and authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Updates will be provided as they become available.
