Two victims in critical condition after Mall of Louisiana gunfire

At least ten people have been injured following a mass shooting incident at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.

Local law enforcement officials, including Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse, confirmed that two of the victims are currently in a critical condition.

The violence reportedly broke out in the afternoon when two groups of individuals engaged in a heated argument at the mall's food court, which escalated into gunfire.

Chief Morse clarified that the incident is no longer considered an active shooter threat, as the perpetrators fled the scene shortly after the shooting occurred.

Authorities have emphasised that the public is not under a continuous threat from a random assailant. "It does not appear to be a random act of violence," Morse stated, explaining that the shooting was the direct result of the targeted altercation between the two groups.

Following the incident, the mall was placed under lockdown as emergency services transported the wounded to local hospitals.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry acknowledged the situation in a post on X, advising the public to remain clear of the area while the investigation continues and crime scene technicians process the evidence left behind in the food court.

No arrests have been made as of Friday evening, but city officials have vowed to bring those responsible to justice.

Mayor Sid Edwards delivered a direct message to the unidentified shooters, stating, "We are going to catch you." This incident comes amid a period of heightened security across the state's commercial hubs.

Baton Rouge police are currently reviewing surveillance footage to identify the primary suspects involved in the initial dispute.