Deadly gunfire erupts at Mall of Louisiana as dispute turns violent
One victim died as multiple suspects were taken into custody
Mall of Louisiana was the site of a deadly shooting on Thursday, April 23, that left one person dead and at least five others injured, including students, according to authorities.
Police confirmed that the incident unfolded around 1:22 p.m. local time inside the mall’s food court area in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Officials said the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two groups, escalating into gunfire that left bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. said officers stationed at the mall and nearby sheriff’s deputies responded immediately after shots were reported, with additional law enforcement units arriving within minutes.
Investigators later confirmed that six people were struck in total, with one victim succumbing to their injuries.
Authorities noted that at least one person required surgery, while others sustained minor injuries. Earlier reports had suggested a higher number of injured individuals, but officials later revised the figures as the investigation progressed.
“This was not a random act,” Morse said, explaining that the violence appeared to stem from an internal dispute between two groups.
He added that innocent bystanders were among those injured during the incident.
Officials also confirmed that multiple suspects are in custody and a weapon has been recovered. However, police believe additional individuals may still be involved and are urging the public to share any video or photographic evidence that could assist the investigation.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said that some of the victims include students from Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette.
In a statement, the school expressed grief over the incident, saying it was “heartbroken” and focused on supporting affected students and families.
Local officials, including Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet, also confirmed that three seniors from the school were among those injured, calling the violence “senseless.”