A fight inside Mall of America escalated into gunfire Thursday afternoon, causing police to shut the mall for over an hour.
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges stated the incident started as a fight between groups at the Nike store cash register around 4:15 p.m. One group left, but a person armed with a handgun turned around and returned to fire at least three shots at the shop before running away.
Law enforcement had to quickly t the Mall of America on lockdown after the shots were fired. Bloomington police lifted the lockdown around 5:40 p.m., saying the place was now secured.
No confirmed injuries have been reported. Police had been searching for suspects; however, Hodges stated no arrests were made as of Thursday night. Please turn yourself in,” Hodges said in a message to the suspects. “But if you choose not to, our officers, our partners, our detectives will not stop till we lock you up.”
Hodges stated police responded to the Best Western hotel nearby, where the suspects had been believed to have gone. However, officers did not locate them there.
Mall of America remained closed for the rest of the night; however, mall spokesman Dan Jasper said the building would reopen Friday morning with improved security.
Hodges condemned the violence and said that despite a significant security presence in the mall, there is only a lot first responders can do to prevent acts of violence, emphasizing that Bloomington police were on the scene within 30 seconds.
People come to the mall daily to create memories, have fun, spend time with their families and their cherished ones, and I can’t believe how traumatic an event like this is for them,” Jasper stated. “We’re thankful that no one became severely injured today due to the fast action of law enforcement and mall security.”
Mall of America is currently under lockdown. There is a confirmed isolated incident in a tenant space. Please remain in the closest secure location until the lockdown has been lifted. Please stay tuned for additional updates.
— Mall of America (@mallofamerica) August 4, 2022
