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Published on May 27, 2024
9-Year-Old Boy Injured During Shooting at Lauderhill Mall on Memorial DaySource: Google Street View

A gunshot echo disrupted the Memorial Day calm at a Lauderhill shopping plaza, leaving a 9-year-old boy injured and the community rattled. The incident, which occurred shortly before 11 a.m. at the Lauderhill Mall located at 1531 N State Road 7, saw the child rushed to Broward Health Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening, as reported by Sun Sentinel.

During what was described as an argument in the mall's parking lot someone drew a firearm and opened fire, the boy and his family, caught in the fray while not being involved in the dispute, were unintended victims, "The child and the child’s family were not involved in the argument," Lt. Antonio Gonzalez told the Sun Sentinel. This shooting adds to a concerning trend in Lauderhill, where gun violence has increasingly stained the streets with seven murders already marking the year, according to Lauderhill Police Chief Constance Stanley.

Following the incident, authorities have launched a sweeping campaign to unearth the "root cause" of the city's uprising gun violence with tactics that appear to still be taking shape. Local 10 News also reported on the shooting, providing a statement from Gonzalez who affirmed, "The investigation remains open and active."

Officials implored the public for assistance in the ongoing investigation, as community members grapple with the chilling reality of a child, who’s normalcy of a holiday shopping expedition was shattered by a stray bullet, law enforcement asks anyone with information to step forward and call Lauderhill police or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477, in the hope that collaborative efforts might yield justice and perhaps forestall the next senseless act of violence.

Miami-Crime & Emergencies