Louisiana Mall Shooting Leaves Trail of Fear After One Person Is Killed

An April 23 shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, left one person dead and five injured. City officials said the incident took place at a crowded food court at the Mall of Louisiana.

Police said the shooting began as a fight between two groups. The situation escalated as bystanders were caught in the crossfire. City officials had said that at least 10 people were injured.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse said one person died after being taken to the hospital. One victim was in surgery, while three others sustained minor wounds. He said another person was taken to a different hospital with “very minor injuries.”

Authorities declined to say which victims were bystanders and which were directly involved in the fight. Morse said five people were detained for questioning and were being interviewed. None had been formally charged as of Thursday.

Morse said during a press conference, "It looks like guns were pulled after words were exchanged right in front of some of the food counters in the food court.” He added, “When those guns were pulled, and shots rang out, that’s when we, unfortunately and very tragically, had innocent victims struck.”

Morse said the shooting was not “a random act of violence but a very targeted disagreement between two groups of people.” Initially, authorities did not disclose much about the identity of the victims and the suspects.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry later confirmed that those affected by the incident included students from Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette. “These senseless tragedies must end,” he wrote.

Following the incident, Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards told reporters, “To the thugs who did this, we’re going to catch you. We’re not going to have this in Baton Rouge. It’s not going to happen.”

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Charles Koger of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, Charles Koger, noted that the bureau is assisting local officials with the investigation. He said, “This is a tragic situation, and our hearts go out to everyone affected. Our shared goal is to determine exactly what happened and to hold those responsible accountable and to ensure the safety of this community.”

Police arrived at the scene about 1:40 p.m. April 23. At least two dozen police cars surrounded the mall, as people started leaving in panic. Authorities asked people to avoid the area, telling them there was an active shooter.