BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — At least 10 people were injured Thursday as two groups of people opened fire at each other inside the food court at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, police said.
Some of those responsible fled the scene as a huge police response arrived. No one was immediately in custody.
“To the thugs that did this, we’re going to catch you,” Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards stated.
Police Chief TJ Morse reported that two groups argued inside the food court before the shooting began. “Unfortunately, there were some innocent people in the area who might have also caught some rounds,” he noted.
Ten individuals were taken to local hospitals with varying injuries, with at least two requiring surgical procedures. The chief urged witnesses to submit any video evidence of the incident.
“Right now, there is no known threat to the public,” he reassured. “Right here is the safest place in Baton Rouge.”
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry acknowledged the shooting and advised the public to steer clear of the area.
A WBRZ-TV employee gave her account, stating that she was among mall patrons ushered to a secure location. “I drove up and walked in right after the shooting," said Nikki Lee. “There was already a helicopter and many police officers surveying the parking lots.”
This incident marks the second instance of gun violence in Louisiana this week. Previously, a father fatally shot eight children, including seven of his own, during a tragic attack in Shreveport that spanned two houses in a neighborhood. Two women, including the assailant’s wife, were left critically injured.
}
