Gunfire tore through the food court at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Thursday afternoon, leaving at least 10 people injured and shoppers scrambling for cover, authorities said. Police described the shooting as a targeted clash between two groups that spiraled out of an argument, with some of the wounded believed to be innocent bystanders caught in the chaos. Officials reported no fatalities and said they did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the public. Multiple victims were rushed to local hospitals, and several were taken into surgery.
What officials say
Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas S. Morse Jr. told reporters that shots were fired around 1:22 p.m. after what investigators believe was an argument between two groups, according to the Associated Press. Morse urged anyone who witnessed the confrontation or recorded it on their phones to share video with detectives as they work to identify everyone involved.
Victims and hospitals
Hospitals across Baton Rouge moved quickly to treat the wounded. Six victims were taken to Our Lady of the Lake by EMS while others arrived on their own, and at least two people were listed in critical condition. Authorities said several patients were in surgery and again pressed anyone with footage of the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers, according to WAFB.
Multiagency response
The response quickly grew into a multiagency operation. The FBI's New Orleans field office and the ATF said they were aware of the incident and responding to the scene, per CBS News. According to WBRZ, mall entrances were shut down as officers escorted families back to their parked cars. Deputies and state troopers helped set up a command post while investigators fanned out across the property to canvass for evidence and speak with witnesses.
Officials ask for help
Mayor-President Sid Edwards, speaking near the mall, promised accountability, declaring, "We're gonna catch you," while praising the swift law enforcement response, according to WPTV. Gov. Jeff Landry urged residents to steer clear of the area and said he was coordinating with police. Authorities repeated their plea for anyone with cellphone video to contact Crime Stoppers and emphasized that the investigation remains active. Mall management confirmed that a shooting had taken place but referred all questions to police as detectives continued their work.
Statewide context
The violence in Baton Rouge came on the heels of a separate mass shooting in Shreveport earlier this week that left eight children dead, a string of bloodshed that has state leaders increasingly on edge, according to the Associated Press. Investigators said their immediate focus is on identifying the suspects, understanding what triggered the confrontation, and gathering tips from the public to fill in the gaps.
