At least one person has been killed and five others injured in a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Thursday, according to police. The attack unfolded after an argument between two groups inside the food court, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
Details of the Incident
Baton Rouge police chief TJ Morse reported that officers received calls at approximately 1:22 p.m. regarding gunfire in the food court area. Video surveillance later revealed the two groups arguing before opening fire on each other. Several innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfire.
"Two groups of people got into an argument inside the food court and started shooting at each other," Morse told reporters. "Unfortunately there were some innocent people in the area who might have also caught some rounds."
Casualties and Response
One person was killed at the scene, while five others were transported to the hospital. At least two victims required surgery. The deceased has not been identified. Initially, police reported 10 injured but later revised the number to five.
Authorities are searching for suspects with assistance from multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Five individuals have been taken into custody.
Baton Rouge mayor Sid Edwards addressed the perpetrators directly: "To the thugs that did this, we're going to catch you."
Witness Accounts
Stanley Jackson, a FedEx employee, was on the mall's second level when the shooting began. He told the Advocate newspaper that he believed "several different guns went off" and soon after "everybody started running." He saw four people lying on the ground bleeding.
Kennedy Barnum, 22, was at the food court when she heard a woman on the phone say, "I'll call you back. There's an active shooter in the mall." She described seeing people running and crying as law enforcement arrived within minutes. A security guard confirmed the active shooter situation and urged immediate evacuation.
Official Statements
Governor Jeff Landry stated he had been informed of the incident and urged residents to stay away from the area. In a statement on X, he said he and his wife "are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement officials."
Police chief Morse assured the public that there is no ongoing threat: "Right now there is no known threat to the public. Right here is the safest place in Baton Rouge."
Context
This shooting follows another incident earlier this week in Louisiana, where eight children were killed and two adults wounded in a mass shooting in Shreveport, described by police as a "domestic violence incident."
