Post Shooting, Braintree Councilors Call For Better Security Measures At South Shore Plaza

BRAINTREE, MA — Days after an active shooter situation at the South Shore Plaza that called for a regional police response, town officials are calling for greater security measures at the regional shopping center.

The Braintree Town Council praised the response of the many officers involved in last Friday’s incident but said there needs to be a better level of preparation from the mall.

“I think the unfortunate part of this is, the South Shore Plaza needs to address this gang-type situation,” Councilor Charles Kokoros, whose district includes the South Shore Plaza, said. “I just want this council to understand in my district I’ve received numerous calls and had numerous conversations about this issue. Frankly, people are upset and they have a right to be. We’re lucky no one has been killed.”

Police say the altercation was an isolated incident between two "Boston gang affiliates" that resulted in at least one of them opening fire. Both fled the mall and one arrest was made in Quincy hours after the incident.

Kokoros, along with other councilors, called on the South Shore Plaza to add more cameras and security measures inside the mall.

“I commend Councilor Kokoros for imploring the management of South Shore Plaza to put cameras inside so we can see what’s going on inside. That’s where this happened. We’re lucky and we dodged a bullet,” Councilor Dan Clifford said.

Currently, there are cameras only at the mall entrances, councilors said.

“I’m very concerned after seeing what unfolded. We know that South Shore Plaza is the largest mall in the northeast, 15th largest in the country. For that reason, it’s a target. I am certainly concerned and especially considering this ended with a gang,” Councilor Michael Owens said.

During his State of the Town address, Mayor Joseph Sullivan praised the effort of public safety officials and said he has discussed the council’s concern with mall officials. Another meeting is scheduled for next week.

Image: File Photo