Baton Rouge mall shooting leaves 10 injured after food court dispute, police say

At least 10 people were injured on Thursday after gunfire broke out inside the food court at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, police said. Investigators said two groups shot at each other during a dispute. A large police response followed, and some people linked to the shooting ran from the area.

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Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse told reporters the incident began with an argument between two groups inside the food court. The shooting left bystanders hurt as well, Morse said. "Unfortunately there were some innocent people in the area who might have also caught some rounds.\"

Mall of Louisiana shooting: Injuries, arrests and safety updates

Morse said 10 people were being treated at local hospitals for different injuries. At least two of those injured needed surgery, Morse added. Police said several suspected participants left the scene as officers arrived. Investigators asked anyone with footage to share it with police to help identify suspects.

Officials said they did not have information showing an ongoing danger beyond the incident. \"Right now there is no known threat to the public,\" Morse said. Morse also told residents, \"Right here is the safest place in Baton Rouge.\"

Mall of Louisiana shooting: Response from mayor and governor

Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards said police planned to find those responsible. \"To the thugs that did this, were going to catch you.\" Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was aware of the shooting. Landry advised the public to stay away from the area as police worked.

WBRZ-TV reported that one employee was among shoppers moved into a safe holding area. The report said police outside escorted people back to their cars. Authorities continued to secure the mall and gather witness accounts while checking for video and other evidence from the scene.

Mall of Louisiana shooting: Second gun violence incident in Louisiana this week

The Baton Rouge shooting was the second gun violence case in Louisiana reported this week. Police said a father fatally shot eight children on Sunday morning in Shreveport. Seven of the children were the father’s own, and the attack stretched across two houses in a neighbourhood.

Police said two women were critically injured in the Shreveport attack. One of them was the gunman’s wife, who was also the mother of the children. In Baton Rouge, investigators said the mall shooting began between two groups, and police continued working to identify those who fled.

With inputs from PTI