At least 10 people were injured in a horrific shooting at the Mall of Louisiana. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, two of the injured are in critical condition.
Police Chief TJ Morse has ruled out any threat to the public at this time; However, the shooter remains at large. He added that the incident was not a random act of violence.
Morse said: “Unfortunately there were some innocent people in the area who could have taken some bullets as well.”
Initial investigation reveals that an argument between two groups of people sitting inside the food court escalated to the point that they opened fire on each other.
Around six victims were taken to hospital by emergency services, while the rest went to seek medical assistance in a personal vehicle. Some of the injured were undergoing surgery.
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were also present at the scene.
East Baton Rogue Mayor and President Sid Edwards was also present at the scene. He updated that all civilians were removed from the building. He asked citizens to “keep the victims and their families in their prayers.”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also issued a statement saying, “I am aware of the active shooter plot at the Mall of Louisiana.” He urged the public to avoid the area, adding: “Sharon and I are praying for those affected.”
He also praised judicial officials for their quick response to the incident.
The incident comes just hours after police arrested a man who was headed to Louisiana allegedly intending to carry out a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans.
