Funviralpark
Bloomington, Minnesota — A 19-year-old man was killed in a shooting that blocked the Mall of America on Friday night, less than two days before Christmas.
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said officers heard gunshots on the first floor of the Nordstrom around 7:50 p.m. His 16 police officers were on duty at the mall at the time of the shooting.
Hodges said there appeared to have been a physical altercation between five to nine people before the shooting. The man was confirmed dead at the scene.
One bystander received a stray bullet in his jacket, but was not injured.
Police have not arrested anyone in connection with the shooting.
“This is completely ridiculous,” said Hodges. “We are going to catch you [the suspects], we’re going to lock you up. ”
Videos posted on social media show shoppers hiding in the store. Some videos show shoppers fleeing after hearing loud noises. The coat of one of her bystanders was grazed by a bullet.
This is the second lockdown the Mall of America has had this year.Shots fired outside Nike store He urged a lockdown in August.upon New Year’s Eve 2021the mall was put on lockdown after two people were shot on the third floor of the mall.
The mall does not allow guns on its premises, but there are no metal detectors at the entrance. Started a month-long test of the use of “Weapon detection system” North entrance in October.
The mall says it will reopen at 10am on Saturday. Nordstrom stores will remain closed.
“I really feel for my family, my mom, my dad, the mayor and the other relatives I spoke to before coming here – they are in pain, and understandably, for something that shouldn’t have happened. said Hodges.
Mall of America released the following statement:
“Prior to 8pm tonight, the Bloomington Police Department responded to a shooting incident in a tenant space that resulted in the Mall of America being placed on lockdown. The lockdown has since been lifted. is closed.”
Bloomington Police Department is expected to provide another update on Saturday.
WCCO Staff
Create your free account or log in
for more features.
