The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens will keep its doors shuttered for the time being following an instance of gunfire that caused a lockdown on Wednesday. The Palm Beach Gardens Police confirmed the area has been secured, but was not dealing with an "active shooter event" and said the shooting "does not appear to be an active shooting," NBC Miami reported.
The incident at the The Gardens Mall this afternoon was not an active shooter event and does not appear to be a random shooting. The scene is secure and the investigation is ongoing. We appreciate the rapid law enforcement and fire response from our local public safety partners.
— Palm Beach Gardens Police (@PBGPD) February 14, 2024
Details emerged that the incident, which erupted around 2:30 p.m., might have been gang-related, with one victim hospitalized as a result. Their condition, however, remains unreported. Fortunately, no bystanders were harmed during the gunfire. Some cars were left in the parking lot, behind the 150 specialty shops and restaurants covering 1.4 million square feet, now stands empty as officials have yet to decide when the mall will reopen, WPTV confirmed.
In a statement obtained by NBC Miami, the police announced they are "in the process of escorting the last remaining employees and customers out of the mall" and actively pursuing investigative leads on potential suspect(s). Meanwhile, Palm Beach State College nearby also took precautionary measures, initiating a lockdown that has since been lifted.
Witnesses inside the mall at the time recounted the pandemonium that unfolded. Toni Lester, who had just stepped out from Nordstrom en route to a Starbucks, described to WPTV hearing a "big bang," initially thinking something had fallen. Moments later, she was caught amidst throngs of people fleeing, warning of a shooter in the premises. "They said, 'There's a shooter in the mall. Get out,'" Lester told WPTV. Escorted out by authorities, Lester's vehicle was searched by the police ensuring that no one except her was inside the car.
In a similar vein, Amanda Mackman recounted her experience during the chaos in an interview with WPTV. As an assistant manager in the back of her store, Mackman heard what sounded like a gunshot, and then witnessed mall patrons running and seeking shelter. Ensuring the doors were locked and everyone took cover quietly, she stated, "For me, it was all about making sure I stayed calm...if you're not calm then the customers are not calm." Police officers eventually led them to safety from the harrowing situation.
Several law enforcement agencies responded swiftly to the scene, with officers armed with long guns entering the mall following the report of shots fired. As the situation cooled down, remaining individuals holed up inside were escorted out to safety. There are no updates on any arrests or the scheduled reopening of the mall as the investigation continues.
