A fatal shooting occurred at the Vancouver Mall in Washington State on Thursday night, resulting in one death and two injuries. The incident took place at the second-floor food court just after 7:30 p.m. PST during a Halloween trick-or-treating event. Shoppers were seen fleeing the scene as emergency services responded, according to the Columbian, which cited emergency scanners.
Vancouver Police confirmed the casualties and stated that the injured individuals were transported to a local hospital. Their current conditions remain undisclosed. The police department reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat within the mall and that they were in contact with individuals who had taken shelter inside.
The chaotic event unfolded as the mall was concluding its annual 'Boo-tacular Trick-or-Treating' event, which invited community members of all ages to participate in costume and collect candy from participating stores. The event was scheduled to end at 8 p.m.
One father, Gregory Iiams, recounted the moment he and his family were inside the mall's Round1 bowling alley when panic ensued. He immediately shielded his children upon hearing about the active shooter situation.
Authorities have yet to release information about the shooter or the victims. The Vancouver Mall, spanning 880,000 square feet and housing over 140 stores, is situated 7 miles north of the Columbia River, which demarcates the border between Washington State and Portland, Oregon.
Source link: https://nypost.com
