Mall of Louisiana shooting: One dead and five injured as police swarm shopping centre
One person has been killed and at least five others wounded following a horrific shooting at a Louisiana shopping centre on Thursday. The incident is thought to have broken out after two groups became embroiled in an argument at a food court, police said.At least one suspect remains at large, with the Governor of Louisiana confirming there was an "active shooter scene" at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.The incident took place at around 1.22pm local time, city police said. Earlier reports suggested at least 10 people were left injured, with two believed to be in a critical condition. Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr said surveillance footage indicated "two groups of people got into an argument inside the food court and started shooting at each other"."Unfortunately, there were some innocent people that were in the area that might have also caught some rounds", he added.The shooting does not appear to be a random act of violence, "but a very targeted kind of disagreement between two groups of people," Morse said.The gunfire sent terrified shoppers fleeing and diving for cover in shops and changing rooms at Louisiana's largest shopping centre as people warned others to "take cover" and "get down," witnesses say.Police say there is no known threat to the public. The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrived at the scene alongside police officers. Images circulating online revealed a significant police presence at the shopping centre. One man expressed his relief, saying he and his wife were thankful for the swift response from the emergency services."I am aware of the active shooter scene at the Mall of Louisiana," said Gov. Jeff Landry. "I am in coordination with law enforcement and we will update as we know more. Please avoid the area."Police confirmed that some of the victims are currently undergoing surgery, according to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).Sid Edwards, Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, said: "I'm on scene at the mall. We have set up a command post. There has been a shooting with multiple victims. All civilians have been safely escorted out of the mall. Please keep the victims and their families in your prayers."In the hours following the incident, police confirmed that five individuals had been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
