Gunfire erupted inside a packed Louisiana mall Thursday afternoon, leaving at least 10 people wounded and triggering a massive police response as panicked shoppers ran for cover.
The shooting broke out around 1:20 p.m. near the food court at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, authorities said. Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, with several reported in critical condition and undergoing emergency surgery, Baton Rouge Police Chief Morse said.
First responders flooded the scene and set up a triage area near JCPenney as officers moved quickly to clear the building. Terrified shoppers were seen sprinting into the parking lot while police escorted others out to their vehicles.
Video from the scene showed officers carrying young children and their mother to safety as the chaos unfolded.
Investigators believe one or two suspects opened fire in what Morse described as a “targeted” incident between two groups. The shooters remained at large as of Thursday afternoon, and all entrances to the mall were shut down.
BREAKING: A mass shooting has just been reported at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.
Six people have reportedly been injured.
Please pray for the victims and their families 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZMXpOxRAyG
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 23, 2026
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, SWAT teams, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police, converged on the area as the search intensified. A state police helicopter circled overhead.
Some shoppers and employees were directed into service tunnels beneath the mall during the lockdown, according to a WBRZ reporter who was inside when the shooting started.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was coordinating with officials as the situation developed.
“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 said she had spoken with District Attorney Hillar Moore as authorities worked to piece together 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 said a command post had been established at the mall.
“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.
Speaking outside the scene, Edwards added, “To the thugs who did this, we will catch you. We will not have this in Baton Rouge.”
Police urged anyone with video of the shooting to come forward as the manhunt for the suspects continued.
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