BATON ROUGE, La. — At least ten individuals were injured in a chaotic shooting incident that unfolded Thursday afternoon at the Mall of Louisiana, specifically within the food court area.
Local police reported that two groups began exchanging gunfire after a confrontation, with some assailants managing to escape the scene before law enforcement arrived. Baton Rouge's Mayor Sid Edwards expressed determination to apprehend those responsible, stating, To the thugs that did this, we’re going to catch you.
According to Police Chief TJ Morse, the shootings resulted in several civilian injuries, emphasizing that innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfire. Ten individuals have been hospitalized, with at least two requiring surgical intervention. Morse has called for witnesses to submit any video evidence for investigation purposes.
Despite the alarming incident, he reassured the public that, at this time, there was no ongoing threat. He noted, Right here is the safest place in Baton Rouge.
In light of the event, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry advised people to avoid the area surrounding the mall. Eyewitness reports highlighted the swift response from law enforcement, with witnesses detailing a substantial police presence soon after the shooting commenced.
This latest violence follows another tragic incident in Louisiana this week, where a father allegedly shot and killed eight of his children in Shreveport, escalating concerns regarding gun violence in the state.
