UPDATE: The Mall of Louisiana will be closed on Friday, according to a post made to Facebook.
The Baton Rouge mall expects to release more information concerning future operational hours as the investigation continues.
UPDATE: Baton Rouge officials held another press conference this evening to update everyone on the Mall of Louisiana shooting.
Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said that there were six victims, one of which has died.
"We are not going to be sharing any information about those victims tonight, so that families can notify their next of kin," Morse said.
Morse asked anyone with video or information about the incident to submit it to Baton Rouge Police or Crime Stoppers. You can call them at 225-344-STOP or submit a tip or video here.
Morse said there was a Baton Rouge Police Officer at the mall when shots were fired, and he ran toward the scene. There also was an East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's deputy who was in the parking lot who did the same. In addition to those agencies, Louisiana State Police, St. George Fire and EMS, ATF, FBI and Baton Rouge EMS all responded, he said.
Here's the full presser:
Here's the post:
UPDATE: Three students from Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette are among those injured during a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.
In a statement, the school said they were "heartbroken by the news that some of our students were involved in a serious off-campus incident. We ask our community to join us in holding our school in prayer during this incredibly difficult time. Out of deep respect for the families and the sensitivity of this situation, we will not be sharing additional details at this time. Our priority is the care of our students and school family."
Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet confirmed in a statement that three students were hurt.
"We are heartbroken by the senseless violence that happened today at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge," Boulet said. "The victims include three seniors from Ascension Episcopal School here in Lafayette. David and I are asking the Lafayette community to join us in holding all of these families close in prayer. I am very grateful for the first responders that acted quickly this afternoon and I’ve reached out to Baton Rouge Mayor-President, Sid Edwards, to offer Lafayette’s full support in whatever way we can assist as families in both cities begin to deal with the aftermath of this tragedy."
Here's a statement issued by Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center:
As the region’s only Level I Trauma Center we stand ready to serve our community at all times and through some of the most difficult days. Today was one of those days. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center received and cared for five patients from today’s shooting at the Mall of Louisiana. Unfortunately, one victim did pass away, while the remaining four are in stable condition. Our trauma and emergency room teams immediately stepped into action and responded with the skill, bravery and compassion synonymous with FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we pray for healing and peace for all those affected by today’s senseless tragedy.
WBRZ is quoting the Baton Rouge Police Chief as saying five people were taken to a hospital, where one person died, another is in surgery and three people are being treated for minor injuries. A sixth victim was taken to a separate hospital, also with minor injuries. No information about the deceased person has been released. Police initially said there were 10 victims, but have confirmed that are only six.
Nearly three hours after the shooting happened, Morse announced five people had been taken into custody. Details about the arrests have not been made available.
WAFB reports that the slain person is a 17-year-old.
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UPDATE: Officials confirmed one person is dead and nine others are injured following a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana, WAFB reports.
According to Chief TJ Morse, there is no threat to the public at this time.
Morse said it is not a random act of violence, but rather two groups of people who got into an argument inside the food court and started shooting at each other.
“Unfortunately, there were some innocent people that were in the area that might have also caught some rounds,” said Morse.
The shooting happened around 1:22 p.m. on Thursday.
Police said the shooter is still at large.
Police said some victims are undergoing surgery.
To read WAFB's full story, click here.
PREVIOUS UPDATES:
UPDATE: The Baton Rouge Police Department confirmed two people are in critical condition and multiple others have been hurt following a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana.
Police are responding to reports of a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana, WAFB reports.
There are believed to be four to five victims near the food court, the station reports.
Paramedics have been called to the scene. They are setting up triage near JC Penny, and police are looking for one to two shooters.
To read WAFB's full story, click here.
