A 'Shooting Incident,' But No Active Shooter At NJ Mall: Police

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — A shooting at a New Jersey mall is not an active shooter situation, New Jersey State Police said Thursday night.

State Police made the announcement around 8:15 p.m., nearly two and half hours after the incident at American Dream in East Rutherford. Police said troopers will start allowing those who have been in lockdown to leave.

"The shooting incident at the American Dream has been determined to not be an active shooter," police said. "The mall is secure & troopers are in the process of safely removing patrons. Anyone looking to meet up with family members is asked to go to lot 26. The American Dream will remain closed."

Officials have released very few details.

Bus routes 64, 67, and 139 are on a detour due to police activity, according to NJ Transit. Bus routes 85, 703, and 722 will leave the mall from Lot 27.

"Buses will use Park Ave, Main St, Freehold Center, Broad St, Manalapan Ave, Rt. 9 North, and Throckmorton St.," the NJ Transit website says.

Rutherford Police said vehicles left in Lot 26 will not be towed.

NJ Transit Police assisted on scene, a Tweet said.

Governor Phil Murphy thanked the NJSP troopers and other law enforcement professionals on scene.

A previous version of this story appears below:

NEW JERSEY - Authorities are investigating a shooting incident at a New Jersey mall Thursday night.

The New Jersey State Police are investigating the shooting at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, the agency said. The incident occurred around 5:50 p.m.

Several sources told NBC New York that one person was shot in the mall parking lot and the suspect fled. A law enforcement official told the outlet that a victim walked into the complex and it was locked down out of precaution.

Yet another source told NBC New York that there may be up to three suspects in a possible "targeted attack."

As of 8 p.m., injuries had not been confirmed and police have not specified where the shooting happened. State Police said anyone looking for family should come to parking lot 26.

"I have been briefed on the shooting at the American Dream Mall and @NJSP has set up a command post," Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted Thursday evening. "We are closely monitoring the situation, and are praying for those impacted. The public is advised to stay away from the area at this time."

Videos posted to Twitter showed American Dream patrons running in the mall.

"I'm working at American Dream, we’re in lockdown right now," one Twitter user wrote.

"My coworker is in our back room hiding with 2 girls at the American Dream mall," another wrote. "Potential shooting?"

Another man said he was "holed up" inside the blacklight mini-golf.

Some people got out, including a man who said he works at the ice rink.

"My mind was running a mile a minute," he wrote. "I hope everybody is safe. Praying for the ones who got hurt."

The megamall, which opened in 2019, is 3 million square feet and features two theme parks and an indoor ski slope, as well as dining and retail.

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.