A chaotic afternoon at a Louisiana shopping mall turned deadly after gunfire erupted, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
Police say the shooting happened around 1:22 p.m. on April 23 at the Mall of Louisiana. An officer already assigned to the mall, along with a nearby sheriff’s deputy, rushed toward the scene as shots rang out. Within minutes, dozens of law enforcement officers flooded the area.
According to Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr., six people were struck in the shooting. One victim has since died, while others are recovering from their injuries. Authorities have not released the identities of those involved as families are still being notified.
Officials say one of the victims required surgery, while several others suffered less severe injuries.
Investigators now believe the violence was not random. Instead, police say it stemmed from a dispute between two groups inside the mall’s food court — a confrontation that quickly spiraled out of control.
“Unfortunately, innocent people got caught in the crossfire,” Morse said during a press briefing.
So far, five people have been taken into custody, and at least one weapon has been recovered. However, authorities believe additional suspects may still be out there and are asking anyone with videos or photos to come forward.
The impact of the shooting has rippled beyond Baton Rouge.
Officials confirmed that students from Ascension Episcopal School were among those injured. In a statement, the school said it was “heartbroken” and asked for prayers as the community grapples with the aftermath.
Local leaders also spoke out, calling the violence senseless and devastating.
As the investigation continues, what began as a normal day at the mall has left families shaken — and a community searching for answers.