Authorities Launch Manhunt After Fatal Shooting at Florida Mall: 1 Dead, Another Injured
In a Shocking incident, a man fired a gun inside the Paddock Mall here in Florida “Authorities Launch Manhunt After Fatal Shooting at Florida Mall: One Dead, Another Injured in Apparent Targeted Attack”
“Swift Response by Florida Security Forces: Initial Mall Panic Resolves as Police Clarify Non-Active Shooter Scenario; Investigation Reveals Targeted Attack, Leaving One Fatally Wounded and Another Injured”
A male shooting victim was found dead in a common area, police said. He is believed to have been the target, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters during a press briefing.
A woman also suffered a gunshot wound to her leg, Balken said. She was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Other injuries stemming from the incident included chest pains and a broken arm, Balken said.
Police recovered a firearm from the scene believed to have been used in the shooting, Balken said.
The mall, which was packed with shoppers ahead of the holiday, was evacuated following the shooting.
“This is the worst thing we can imagine right now at this time of the year,” Balken said. “Somebody has suffered a loss in their family. It’s a horrible time of year for this to happen ever. It’s especially sad during the holidays.”
Balken said the mall is expected to be closed for the next 12 hours amid the investigation and urged people to avoid the area.
Police asked any witnesses to come forward amid the search for the suspected shooter.
“There was a lot of people here shopping at the mall, which means there’s a lot of witnesses that could potentially help us bring this case to a successful resolution,” Balken said.
This afternoon at around 3:40 p.m., OPD received a call in regarding a shooting at the Paddock mall with multiple shots fired. pic.twitter.com/byYiP4VNIR
— Ocala Police (@ocalapd) December 23, 2023
Syriah Williams, 18, told to media she was shopping at Bath & Body Works with her mother when she heard several shots ring out and “chaos erupted.”
“The employees opened the back storage area and told everyone to run,” said Williams, who took cover behind the counters at the store.
Ocala Gazette owner Jennifer Hunt Murty told ABC News Radio she was volunteering at a gift-wrapping station when gunfire erupted about 10 feet away from her.
“We dropped to the ground,” she said. “I texted the police chief and said active shooter in the mall, and he responded right away.”
She said she texted the chief where the injured victims were so medics could get to them, and once it seemed safe began interviewing people and taking photos.
“You never know how you’re going to react in those situations, but I went to work,” she said.