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Shoppers ran for their lives. Gunfire echoed through a crowded food court. And within minutes, a routine afternoon at the Mall of Louisiana turned into a scene of panic, bloodshed, and unanswered questions.

One person was killed and five others were injured Thursday after two groups opened fire on each other inside the Baton Rouge shopping center, police said. The violence unfolded at 1:22 p.m. local time near the mall’s food court, sending waves of fear through one of the city’s busiest retail hubs.

A Targeted Fight Turns Deadly

Authorities say the shooting was not random.

“This was not a random act. This was a disagreement, a fight between two different groups of people that we are still trying to unravel,” Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. said. “And unfortunately, innocent victims got caught in the crossfire.”

Five suspects are now in custody. Police say they are being detained and questioned, but have not yet been formally arrested. Investigators are actively searching for additional suspects, warning that more people may have been involved.

“We know that there are more suspects out there,” Morse said.

Victims Caught in the Crossfire

Of the five people injured, one was in critical condition as of Wednesday evening. The others suffered minor injuries. Police emphasized that none of the victims are believed to be suspects.

In a heartbreaking detail, three of those injured are high school seniors, according to Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet.

Authorities believe handguns were used in the shooting, and at least one weapon has been recovered.

Initial reports suggested 10 people were injured, but officials later revised the count to one dead and five injured. Police have not yet released the identities or ages of the victims.

Eyewitness Describes Terrifying Moments

Todd Terrell, president of the United Cajun Navy, was inside a Dillard’s store at the mall when the chaos erupted.

He said he heard between 15 and 20 shots.

“It sounded like a fully automatic gun,” he said.

Terrell had nearly gone to the food court moments before the shooting.

“Thank God I was a sticking to my diet, because I was wanting some chicken shawarma,” he said. “I would have been there.”

He believes the outcome could have been far worse.

“It could have been worse. It’s prom season. If it was later in the day there could have been more people there,” he said. “We’re just in bad times right now.”

Swift Police Response May Have Saved Lives

Law enforcement officers were already nearby when the shooting began. A Baton Rouge police officer assigned to the mall responded immediately, along with an East Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputy in the parking lot.

Mayor Sid Edwards credited that rapid response with preventing an even greater tragedy.

He said police “almost immediately” identified suspects using surveillance footage.

“People are starting to talk now,” Edwards said. “I want to thank the people who contacted Crimestoppers and the people who had the video and the people who have the evidence. God bless you.”

Authorities are now urging anyone with cellphone video or information to come forward as the investigation intensifies.

Mall Shuts Down as Community Reacts

The Mall of Louisiana was closed following the shooting.

“We are heart broken and angered that our shopping center was the location for today’s horrific incident,” the mall said in a statement.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry also responded, offering support to victims and praise for first responders.

“Sharon and I are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement officials,” Landry said.

A Region on Edge

The shooting comes just days after another devastating घटना roughly 250 miles away in Shreveport, where eight children were killed Sunday.

Seven of those victims were the children of 31-year-old suspect Shamar Elkins, who was later killed in a confrontation with police after a carjacking, officials said.

As Baton Rouge investigators continue their search for answers and additional suspects, the latest violence adds to growing fears about safety, escalating disputes, and the deadly consequences when conflicts spiral out of control.