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A chaotic scene unfolded at one of the state’s busiest shopping centers as a louisiana mall shooting left at least 10 people injured Thursday, sending terrified shoppers scrambling for cover and prompting a massive manhunt for those responsible.

Argument Escalates Into Gunfire

Authorities in Baton Rouge said the shooting erupted inside the Mall of Louisiana after a confrontation between two groups spiraled into violence.

“Two groups of people got into an argument inside the food court and started shooting at each other,” said Thomas Morse Jr., citing surveillance footage reviewed by investigators.

The exchange of gunfire, described as rapid and intense, struck not only those involved but also bystanders caught in the crossfire—like sparks jumping from a fire no one could contain.

Panic Inside the Mall

As shots rang out, panic spread instantly. Witnesses described shoppers running through stores and diving into dressing rooms, shouting warnings to “take cover” and “get down.”

Raleigh Robertson, 22, said she was on the phone with her mother while shopping when she heard gunfire.

“I’m not a runner, but I’m about to be a runner today,” she recalled thinking as she fled.

She described hearing “extremely rapid firing” for 20 to 30 seconds while racing through a sporting goods store, eventually escaping through an upper level exit to the parking lot, where police vehicles were already converging.

Other witnesses reported people crowding into dressing rooms, desperately trying door handles in search of shelter as the chaos unfolded.

Injuries Reported, No Fatalities Confirmed

Police said at least 10 individuals were injured, though the severity of those injuries varies. Some victims were undergoing surgery, officials confirmed, but no fatalities have been reported.

Investigators are still working to determine how many shooters were involved and how many weapons were used, combing through surveillance footage and evidence gathered at the scene.

Manhunt Underway With Federal Support

Law enforcement agencies launched a large-scale search for suspects, deploying drones and helicopters in an effort to track those responsible.

Federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, have joined the investigation.

“As we start developing suspects, we’re going to run down every single lead that we can to get these people in custody,” Morse said.

Not Random, Police Say

Authorities emphasized that the shooting does not appear to be random but rather stemmed from a targeted dispute between two groups. Officials said there is currently no ongoing threat to the broader public.

The incident comes just days after another mass shooting in Shreveport, intensifying concerns about rising violence in the region.

Leaders React to Growing Violence

Sid Edwards acknowledged the difficulty of preventing such incidents.

“Sometimes the devil lives everywhere,” he said. “No matter how many law enforcement you’ve got… if someone gets in their mind that they’re going to do something like this, they’re going to do it.”

Evacuations Continue as Investigation Proceeds

Police moved through the mall methodically, searching for individuals still sheltering in place and guiding evacuations.

Store employees described waiting inside as officers cleared sections of the building, ensuring no one was left behind in the aftermath of the shooting.

As investigators continue piecing together what happened, the louisiana mall shooting stands as another stark reminder of how quickly ordinary spaces can turn into scenes of fear—and how fragile calm can be when violence erupts without warning.