Earlier Saturday afternoon, the Columbia Police Department reported a mass shooting incident inside the Columbiana Centre Mall in South Carolina.
JUST IN: Mass Shooting at South Carolina Mall, Several People Reportedly Injured
Breaking reports stated that 12 people were injured during the incident.
Per Fox News:
Police in South Carolina responded to a 911 call that was made around 2:03 p.m. that reported gunfire near the GAP store inside the Columbiana Centre, a mall in Columbia, South Carolina. Multiple 911 calls were made after that, according to Columbia Police Department Chief William H. Holbrook.
Among the 12 people injured, 10 suffered gunshot wounds, and two were injured in the stampede that followed the gunfire inside the mall.
Eight people who suffered gunshot wounds were transported to area hospitals, and two people self-reported their wounds, according to Holbrook. Two people are in critical but stable condition, and six people are in stable condition.
Officials say that the oldest victim is 73-years-old, and the youngest is 15-years-old.
Holbrook said that at least three people were seen with firearms inside the mall, and at least one person fired a weapon.
An eyewitness told AP:
Daniel Johnson said he and his family were visiting from Alabama and were eating in the food court when they first heard shots ring out and started seeing people running.
Johnson said people were screaming for their children and spouses, knocking over tables in the food court as they fled.
“Everybody was trying to get outside,” Johnson said. “When I was coming out, you could see baby strollers turned over, people’s phones and left keys. It was kind of a hectic situation.”
Johnson said he gathered his wife, daughter and son and began heading toward the exit after letting the crowd clear out for a bit.
“My biggest thing was — and not to sound selfish — was to make sure that our family was OK and to get them out safely because this is not something that we love to do for Easter weekend.”
Law enforcement officials are currently going through the mall and removing people who were sheltering in place during the shooting.
The Columbia Police Department called today's incident a "senseless act of violence."
Statement from @ColumbianaCtr: “Today’s isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely upsetting and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. We are grateful for the quick response and continued support of our security team and our partners in law enforcement.”
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
The Columbia Police Department provide these updates on social media:
For those people still inside the mall, you can call 9-1-1 or 803-252-2911 and tell the dispatchers your location. Dispatchers will notify law enforcement immediately. Again, multiple law enforcement agencies/ officers are on scene to assist #ColumbiaPDSC.
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
#ColumbiaPDSC Chief Holbrook will recap incident based on current info gathered, provide update on total number of victims, & what you should do if you have info to help. Progress on case is being made. pic.twitter.com/OuOl9J5nMA
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
Incident Recap. Citizen called 9-1-1 approx 2 p.m. followed by series of 9-1-1 calls after shots fired inside @ColumbianaCtr. Significant law enforcement response. Advised mall businesses to shelter-in-place. Worked w/mall staff. Evacuated patrons. Accounted for injured.
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
A total of 12 people injured. 10 = gunshot wounds. 2 = injured while running to safety. NO fatal injuries. #ColumbiaPDSC have detained 3 people for questioning.
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
At this time, #ColumbiaPDSC investigators believe the shooting incident may have stemmed from an isolated conflict between the armed suspects.
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!