Chaos and confusion at @mallofamerica. Making people go outside. #mallofamerica pic.twitter.com/NzMvI7iK6m
— Andy Paras (@AndyParas) August 4, 2022
The news director of our affiliate WFFT was at the Mall of America at the time of the incident, sharing this video on Twitter. He said he did not hear gunshots.
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BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP/WXOW) — UPDATE: Bloomington Police confirmed that shots were fired inside the Mall of America in suburban Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon but a suspect has not been found.
We have secured the scene at the Mall of America and can confirm that shots were fired. This is an isolated incident. The suspect fled the MOA on foot and officers are in the process of interviewing witnesses. At this time we have not located a victim.
— Bloomington Police (@BPD_MN) August 4, 2022
They didn’t immediately say how many shots were fired in what they called an “isolated incident” in a Twitter post.
They also said on Twitter that the suspect fled the mall on foot and that they have not yet located a victim.
The mall is in the process of lifting the lockdown. Police said once the lockdown is lifted, the mall will close for the remainder of the evening.
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BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — Police in Minnesota are responding to a possible shooting at the Mall of America in suburban Minneapolis.
Mall of America spokesman Dan Jasper confirmed that the mall was locked down Thursday afternoon but had no other details.
We are currently working an active incident inside Mall of America on the northwest side. Numerous officers are on scene. We will update when we have more information.
— Bloomington Police (@BPD_MN) August 4, 2022
Bloomington police confirmed on Twitter that they were working “an active incident” with numerous officers on the scene. They gave no other details.
The mall, which opened in 1992, is the largest in the U.S. and is a tourist destination and community gathering spot.
Mall of America remains under lockdown following a confirmed isolated incident. For all guests, please stay in the closest secure area until the lockdown is lifted.
— Mall of America (@mallofamerica) August 4, 2022
Video posted to social media showed what appeared to be a man shouting as he walked near the complex’s Nike store, with at least three apparent gunshots. Other video showed shoppers fleeing from the amusement park on the giant mall’s ground level, holding their children’s hands and clutching their bags.
Still other video showed a pair of police officers, including one with a rifle, moving through the mall, and people walking quickly away from the mall’s large interior atrium area.
The Mall of America bans guns on its premises, according to its website. The mall does not have metal detectors and shoppers are not searched upon entry. It was the scene of a shooting on New Year’s Eve, when two people were wounded during an apparent altercation.
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