Multiple Injuries Reported in South Carolina Mall Shooting

Multiple injuries have been confirmed in connection to a Saturday mall shooting in South Carolina.

The Columbia Police Department say officers responded to reports of “shots fired” at around 2:30 p.m. at the Columbiana Centre Mall near Harbison Boulevard. Officers have since started evacuating the building, while emergency personnel provide medical aid to victims.

CPD Chief William H. “Skip” Holbrook told reporters at least 10 individuals were injured during the incident. Holbrook said eight of those victims were sustained gunshot wounds; two of them are in critical but stable condition, while the others are stable. The chief said the other two victims were not wounded in the shooting, but sustained injuries in a stampede that followed the shots.

Law enforcement told mall employees to shelter in place while authorities assess the situation. Kelly said authorities are “now going store to store and closet to closet searching for someone with a weapon.”

“Officers will come to you as a protected escort,” the department tweeted. “DO NOT leave a store until told to do so by proper authorities.”

Lexington County Sheriff’s Department announced a reunification site was set up at a nearby Fairfield Inn, located at 320 Columbiana Drive. Authorities urged the public to be cautious when driving around the area, as the expect high-volume traffic. 

CPD have not made any arrests in connection to the reported shooting. Stay tuned as more details become available.