A shooting at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, New Jersey, prompted a large police response on Tuesday evening. Officials reported that at least one shot was fired in the mall’s food court area shortly after 7 p.m., leading to an evacuation and a temporary lockdown.
Mall Evacuated After Shooting
Wayne Police officers responded to reports of gunfire and determined that a physical altercation preceded the shooting. The incident drew a significant law enforcement presence, with State Troopers and officers from over a dozen surrounding towns converging on the mall. Parking lot entrances were blocked, and authorities urged shoppers to evacuate.
Witnesses described a scene of panic and confusion. Amirras Saint Paul, who was evacuating the mall, said, “Everybody was like colliding over me, and I was like what’s going on? So I just started running with the crowd.” Other teens reported initially dismissing the sound of the first shot as a dropped object, but becoming alarmed after a second gunshot.
“The first shot people thought, like, it was a bottle cap or something, and once the second shot went off, that’s when everyone started really getting scared,” said Ellison Lucien. Shoppers also noted the unsettling sight of heavily armed officers as they left the mall. Shane Garvey described being “pushed by a bunch of people” while running, and Saint Paul said they were “shaking like crazy.”
Wayne Police have stated that several individuals were detained for questioning as they worked to secure the scene. While authorities confirmed at least one shot was fired, it remains unclear whether a weapon was recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the shooting at Willowbrook Mall?
According to Wayne Police, the shooting stemmed from a physical altercation.
How did authorities respond to the incident?
Wayne Police officers, State Troopers, and police from more than a dozen nearby towns responded to the scene, evacuating the mall and urging people to stay away.
Was a weapon recovered?
As of the latest reports, it is not clear whether authorities recovered a weapon.
It is possible that investigators will release further details regarding the circumstances of the altercation and the identity of those involved. The investigation could also lead to charges being filed. The mall may adjust security protocols in response to the incident, and local authorities may increase patrols in the area.