Mall Of America Shooting: Shots Fired After 'Altercation,' Chief Says

BLOOMINGTON, MN — Shots were fired at a Nike store inside the Mall of America Thursday following an "altercation" between two groups, Bloomington Police Chief Booker T. Hodges said at a news conference.

No injuries occurred, authorities said.

The fight began at a cash register inside the store, police said, and one of the groups left. However, just after 4 p.m., that group came back and fired a weapon at the other group still inside the Nike store, according to Hodges.

"They decided to demonstrate a complete lack of respect for human life," the chief said. "They decided to fire multiple rounds into a store with people."

Officers were on the scene within 30 seconds, according to Hodges. However, the suspects fled the scene and police were unable to locate them.

"I just want to say to those who committed this act: Please turn yourself in," Hodges said. "Should you choose not to, our officers, our partners, our detectives will not stop until we lock you up."

Police said the shooting was an isolated incident. Authorities say anyone with information should call the Bloomington Police Department.

The shooting sent the entire mall into lockdown late Thursday afternoon.

"We are currently working an active incident inside Mall of America on the northwest side," the Bloomington Police Department said on Twitter just before 5 p.m. "Numerous officers are on scene."

In its own tweet, the Mall of America said, "There is a confirmed isolated incident in a tenant space. Please remain in the closest secure location until the lockdown has been lifted."

A number of videos posted to social media showed people fleeing the mall. One video shows a man who appears to walk into a Nike store and begin firing a gun.

Another video — posted by Andy Paras, a news director from Indiana — shows people fleeing Nickelodeon Universe. In a different video from Paras, a loudspeaker can be heard telling people who are "not currently in a secure location" to "seek shelter immediately."

"Tonight’s violence at the Mall of America is unacceptable," Gov. Time Walz said Thursday. "These brazen incidents will not be tolerated. State resources are on the scene, we have offered our full support, and we will stay in close contact with Bloomington police to apprehend those responsible."

Walz added that "We are committed to maintaining an unprecedented state law enforcement presence in the Twin Cities until we put a stop to this rise in crime."

The Mall of America, which opened in 1992, is among the largest malls in the world. Each year, an estimated 40 million people from around the world visit the mall.