MINNEAPOLIS — The Mall of America was placed on lockdown Thursday after shots were fired in a "confirmed isolated incident" on the mall's second floor.
"We have secured the scene at the Mall of America and can confirm that shots were fired," Bloomington Police posted to its Twitter account Thursday evening, about an hour and 20 minutes after the lockdown was announced. "This is an isolated incident. The suspect fled the MOA on foot and officers are in the process of interviewing witnesses. At this time we have not located a victim."
As of 5:45 p.m. Central time, the mall was in the process of lifting the lockdown, police said, adding that once the lockdown was lifted the mall would be closed for the evening.
Social media posts showed shoppers running for the exits while others were directed to take shelter. Videos of officers armed with rifles walking the concourse were also posted.
"There is a confirmed isolated incident in a tenant space," The Mall of America said on its Twitter account shortly after the lockdown was announced. "Please remain in the closest secure location until the lockdown has been lifted. Please stay tuned for additional updates."
A short video posted to Twitter shows a man walking toward the Nike Store, while shouts and sound of three apparent gunshots can be heard.
According to emergency dispatch audio, shots were heard near Nordstrom on the northwest side of the mall. The dispatch audio said that the incident possibly involved juvenile males fighting.
Danny Reinan, 22, a Minneapolis student, was at the mall with friends when the announcement came through at about 4:20 p.m.
"It was all really sudden. We were at the Barnes and Noble and suddenly there was an announcement over the loudspeaker that the mall is on lockdown and it's not a drill," Reinan said. "The staff rushed us into the back room where we are waiting right now. Everybody's trying to stay calm but you can really feel the tension and anxiety in the air."
Reinan said about 75 people were in the small room. They did not hear any shots fired, but saw people running away.
The mall marks the 30th anniversary of its opening on Aug. 11. It was placed on lockdown on New Year's Eve last year when two people were shot during a fight. One man suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and another was grazed. Kahlil M. Wiley was charged in Hennepin County District Court with two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with the gunfire.
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