South Carolina police officers responded to reports of a shooting Saturday at a shopping mall, where an unknown number of people were injured.
Officers from the Columbia Police Department responded to the shooting at the Columbiana Centre at 2:30 p.m. and confirmed shortly after that several injured people were receiving medical attention. Police have arrested three suspects who were unarmed, but knew each other, the department stated in a press briefing.
Update: We have confirmed that people have been injured during the incident — they are receiving medical attention. The extent of injuries unknown at this time. #ColumbiaPDSC officers have been evacuating the mall and getting people to safety.
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
“What we know is at least three people were seen with firearms inside the mall and at least one person fired a weapon,” CPD Chief William Holbrook said in the briefing.
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A total of 12 people were injured amid the shooting, with two critically injured and two who were not shot but were injured amid the stampede out of the shopping center.
CPD officers are making sure the shopping center has been “cleared,” with no additional injuries reported. Mall employees who continue to be inside the shopping center have been asked to remain inside until an officer escorts them out.
Law enforcement teams have been strategically making sure that the @ColumbianaCtr has been ‘cleared.’ No other reports of injuries.
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
🚨Employees inside the mall who were told to shelter in place for safety, law enforcement officers will come to you as a protected escort. DO NOT leave a store until told to do so by proper authorities.
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
The Columbiana Centre will be closed until further notice, the shopping center’s website read.
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A media briefing scheduled for 4 p.m. has not yet started, as the CPD wants to confirm additional information before briefing the public, the department wrote on social media.
** Media partners ** We are confirming additional information before we brief you and the public. Thank you for your patience. Media staging area has not changed.
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
The police department has not responded to the Washington Examiner‘s request for comment.
