Owings Mills, Security Square Malls Close As 'Purge' Rumors Continue

The day after riots broke out in Baltimore, two malls in western Baltimore County reportedly closed as rumors circulated on social media about potential demonstrations.

Owings Mills Mall shuttered after learning that a “purge” may occur, according to WNEW.

Popular among juveniles, a “purge” is a concept inspired by a movie called The Purge, which shows what may happen if all crimes were legal, The Baltimore Sun reports.

A flier circulating on Twitter about the possible purge in the Baltimore County area indicated it may take place at 3:30 p.m. at Owings Mills Mall, Northern Parkway, Roger Station and the Alameda.

Though not listed on the flier, Security Square Mall decided to close Tuesday morning, and by 2 p.m., Fox 45 reported an “army of officers” was standing guard by the mall in the 6900 block of Security Boulevard.

Members of the clergy and of gangs were posted outside the mall, telling juveniles who showed up that they should turn around and go home, a message that children appeared to listen to, since they left, WNEW reported.

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“It may be just banter rolling around social media but the Mondawmin and Pennsylvania Ave ‘purge’ picture was also just banter,” said one user on Reddit.

Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson said there was not any credible threat to establishments in the county and Security Square made the decision to close on its own Tuesday, according to WBAL.

Credible or not, businesses in the area were taking the rumors seriously.

The Weis supermarket was boarding up its storefront, according to The Baltimore Sun. Best Buy had reportedly done the same.

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