Local and federal law enforcement agencies responded to the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, Thursday, after gunfire broke out inside the shopping center’s food court, killing at least one person and wounding several more.
The Baton Rouge Police Department confirmed the death and said five others were wounded, according to Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse.
All the victims were taken to city hospitals, according to Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said five suspects are in custody, and authorities are searching for others.
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“This kind of violence in a place where my family and so many others routinely shop is completely unacceptable,” Murrill said. “This lawlessness will NOT stand in Louisiana. Once these individuals are found — and I’m confident they will be — they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Morse said the shooting unfolded after two people got into an argument in the courtyard of the food court and started shooting at each other, and innocent bystanders were caught in the middle.
However, Murrill later said no bystanders were shot.
FBI New Orleans and Louisiana State Police confirmed to Fox News Digital they are responding to assist.
“@FBINewOrleans and agents out of our Baton Rouge RS are continuing to assist our partners with the investigation on today’s shooting at the Mall of Louisiana,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote in a statement on X. “Please pray for the victims and their families — and we will update as able.”
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry asked the public to avoid the area, as the investigation remains active.
The Mall of Louisiana is the largest mall in the state and the sole regional mall in Baton Rouge.
“Sharon and I are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement officials,” Landry said.
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In a joint statement Thursday night, Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier said they “mourn the life lost today and pray for the recovery of all of those injured, some critically, and for strength for their families and loved ones around this state.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise also reacted to the incident, posting on X that he is “so saddened to hear about the shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.”
“Thank you to our first responders for acting quickly to protect people at the Mall and help those who were injured,” Scalise wrote. “We’re praying for the victims and everyone impacted by this tragic event.”
The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 344-STOP.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
