A shooting altercation between two groups of young people at a shopping mall in Dearborn, Michigan, left two people dead and a third injured Friday, police said.

The shooting at Fairlane Town Center sent mall patrons scrambling, including a person who was hit by a vehicle outside the mall while attempting to flee, Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin said.

People believed to be linked to the fight were being questioned at the police station, but no one was immediately taken into custody, he said.

Shahin said the altercation was not a random act: The two groups knew each other and after they came into contact at the mall a fight started that escalated into gunfire. Members of both groups had handguns, he said.

One of the victims died inside Fairlane Town Center and the other died at a nearby hospital. Details on the third person who was shot were not released.

The mall was evacuated after the shooting and police planned to keep it closed while they investigated.

A video posted to social media appeared to show people running from the shopping center after gunshots could be heard.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in public spaces, where a seemingly routine outing can turn deadly in seconds. Chief Shahin emphasized that the groups knew each other, suggesting the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute rather than a random act — a pattern seen too often in such cases.

For shoppers and families at Fairlane Town Center, the event was terrifying, with people fleeing in panic as gunfire erupted. The fact that both groups were armed underscores broader concerns about gun access and conflict resolution among young people.

As the investigation continues and authorities question those involved, the community is left grappling with the loss of life and the fear such violence instills in everyday public spaces. This shooting serves as a sobering reminder of the need for stronger prevention efforts and community intervention to stop conflicts before they escalate.