2 Dead, 4 Injured After Gunman Opens Fire In Boise Mall
Two people were killed and four others injured after a gunman opened fire at a mall in Boise, Idaho, on Monday, police said.
Authorities said they responded to reports of shots fired at the Boise Towne Square mall just before 2 p.m. and exchanged gunfire with a suspect shortly after they arrived. The gunman injured one officer, police said, but other officers were able to take the shooter into custody.
The suspect is currently in critical condition.
Boise Police Chief Ryan Lee said the investigation into the shooting was ongoing, but that authorities believe there is no remaining threat or danger to the community.
“I cannot stress enough how traumatic this event is for the community at large,” Lee said during a press conference. He later added: “We really cannot speak to any motivation behind it or anything else that may impact the investigation.”
The mall is the city’s largest and a major shopping hub.
“It was like a metal window had blown in and it was echoing throughout the mall,” Diane Green, a Boise resident who was at the mall, told the Idaho Statesman. “Most of us there were startled at first, and then right away we heard five to six gunshots, just pow pow pow, extremely loud.”
Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said the community’s safety remained a priority as officials investigated the attack.
“My heart goes out to those who sheltered in place, those who saw this crime, those who weren’t sure if they’d see a loved one again,” she said. “I am deeply, deeply sorry for the pain and trauma that you’ve experienced.”
Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) said the attack was “unthinkable,” adding that the state was prepared to assist investigators as they determined the motive for the shooting.
The mall will remain closed on Tuesday as investigators continue to work the scene.
Those injured in today’s unthinkable shooting at the Boise Towne Square Mall are in my prayers. The State of Idaho stands prepared to assist the Boise Police Department as they investigate the shooting.
— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) October 25, 2021
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.