The mall announced it would be closed Friday. Here’s what we know so far about the Baton Rouge mass shooting.
Started as argument between two groups
Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said that investigators looked at video footage from the mall to determine that it was not a solo shooter, but two arguing groups.
“We found out through footage surveillance that two groups of people were going into an argument and started shooting each other,” Morse said.
Five people are in police custody. The suspects have not been identified.
Though five have been apprehended, none had been arrested or booked as of Thursday evening.
More suspects expected to be apprehended
Morse said law enforcement had recovered one gun from the scene and investigators believe multiple were used, though it is unclear how many.
FBI agents and Louisiana State Police officers were present at a Thursday evening news conference and each are aiding Baton Rouge police, who are leading the investigation.
More suspects are expected to be apprehended as the investigation unfolds.
“I want to stress that this was not a random act,” Morse said. “This was a disagreement, a fight between two different groups of people that we are still trying to unravel.”
The victims have not been identified
Police have not identified any of the suspects.
Three of the people shot were seniors at Ascension Episcopal School, Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet said in a Facebook post.
A spokesperson for Ascension Episcopal School said in a statement the school is “heartbroken by the news that some of our students were involved in a serious off-campus incident.
“We ask our community to join us in holding our school in prayer during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said. “Out of deep respect for the families and the sensitivity of this situation, we will not be sharing additional details at this time. Our priority is the care of our students and school family.”
Witnesses describe chaotic scenes
Raleigh Robertson, a 22-year-old photographer, described what sounded like several semi-automatic weapons firing at the same time. The gunfire persisted for about 30 to 40 seconds and sounded close, she said.
Others described panic, with people running as they heard gunfire.
Courtny Hawes said she went to the mall to get new clothes for a job she’s about to start. She was trying on some items when the gunfire began.
“We were in the dressing room,” Hawes said. “When they did start pushing everyone to get out, nothing had come over the loudspeakers or anything. I didn’t know there was a shooting until I got outside.”
Officials issue statements
Multiple officials put out statements after the shooting.
Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards praised the quick response by police at the scene.
“I want everyone to know that the response to this event saved lives,” he said.
Gov. Jeff Landry and U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy both made posts thanking law enforcement and wishing the best for the victims.
“Sharon and I are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement officials,” Landry wrote on X.
“I am hoping for the full recovery of everyone that was injured,” Cassidy wrote. “Thank you to the Baton Rouge Police Department, along with all responding agencies, for their swift action.”
“When is enough, enough?” said Scott Mayor Jan-Scott Richard. “How many more families have to get that call? How many more young lives have to be taken before we say this is not who we are?”
“It’s a sad place we live in right now that it’s not even safe to go to the mall,” said Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter.
Louisiana House members briefly paused legislative business for a moment of silence.