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Witnesses described horrifying moments as shoppers ran for their lives. Some were seen sprinting through parking lots while others hid inside stores waiting for police to guide them out.
Video from the chaos showed officers carrying young children and their mother to safety, highlighting the terror innocent families faced as bullets flew inside the mall.
Investigators now believe the violence may have stemmed from a dispute between two separate groups. Chief Morse described the shooting as a “targeted” incident, suggesting the suspects may have known one another before the confrontation turned deadly.
As of Thursday afternoon, one or two gunmen were still on the run. Authorities immediately locked down the mall and sealed entrances as the search intensified.
The law enforcement response was massive. Federal and local agencies descended on the property, including the FBI, SWAT teams, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police. A state police helicopter circled overhead while officers searched for the fleeing suspects.
Some shoppers and workers were reportedly directed into underground service tunnels beneath the mall during the lockdown, according to a WBRZ reporter who was inside when the gunfire erupted.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry confirmed he was closely monitoring the crisis and working with authorities.
“I am aware of the active shooter scene at the Mall of Louisiana. I am in coordination with law enforcement and we will update as we know more,” he wrote.
“Please avoid the area. Sharon and I are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement officials.”
Attorney General Liz Murill also addressed the unfolding emergency and said she had spoken directly with District Attorney Hillar Moore as officials worked to determine exactly what happened.
“I have spoken to District Attorney Hillar Moore, who is actively monitoring the situation involving a weapon or weapons being discharged in the Food Court at the Mall of Louisiana,” she said.
“Multiple law enforcement agencies are responding – please avoid the area. More details will be available soon.”
Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards announced that officials quickly established a command center at the mall to coordinate the emergency response.
“We have set up a command post. There has been a shooting with multiple victims. All civilians have been safely escorted out of the mall. Please keep the victims and their families in your prayers,” Edwards posted.
Later, speaking near the crime scene, the mayor delivered a blunt message to those responsible.
“To the thugs who did this, we will catch you. We will not have this in Baton Rouge.”
The shooting once again raises serious concerns about public safety in places where families gather expecting security and peace. A mall filled with shoppers should never become a war zone.
Police are now urging anyone who recorded video or witnessed suspicious activity to come forward immediately. Investigators believe public tips could be critical in tracking down the suspects still at large.
As Baton Rouge reels from another burst of senseless violence, many are asking the same question: how many more innocent Americans must suffer before criminals are truly held accountable?
