Washington [US], May 28: Authorities said several people were shot at a shopping mall in Waterbury, Connecticut, on the afternoon of May 27 (local time).
Waterbury police reported a shooting at the Brass Mill Center just before 4:40 p.m. on May 27, according to ABC News.
Upon arrival, police found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, according to ABC News. "All victims were taken to local hospitals and are being treated. There are no fatalities at this time," Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said at a press conference.
Police have yet to release the number of victims, saying they need to confirm details before providing official figures.
"There's a lot of law enforcement out here right now. We're following some very strong leads and I hope to have more information as the night goes on," Spagnolo said at a news conference.
The shopping centre and surrounding area were quickly secured and the police chief confirmed there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
"I think we're safe right now. I don't feel like there's any threat in the neighborhood," Spagnolo said.
It is not yet clear how many gunmen were involved in the shooting. "At this point, we believe there was one person, but I cannot confirm that right now," Spagnolo said.
In an update to law enforcement on the evening of May 27, Spagnolo said five people had been injured by gunfire, according to KWQC.
The shooting remains under investigation, but police said it was initially believed to have stemmed from an altercation at the mall. "We do not believe this was a random act of violence," the police chief added.
Police confiscated a gun at the scene, but did not say whether it was the one used in the shooting.
In June 2024, a gunman opened fire at a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, killing four people and injuring 10, including two police officers.
Previously, in May 2023, a right-wing extremist killed 8 people and injured 7 others at a shopping mall in Allen, Texas (USA).
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
