Authorities say suspects are in custody after food court dispute turned violent.
BATON ROUGE, La. — A shooting inside the Mall of Louisiana on Thursday afternoon left one person dead and five others injured after gunfire broke out in a crowded food court, prompting panic among shoppers and a rapid police response.
Authorities said the violence stemmed from an argument between two groups that escalated into a shootout, with bystanders caught in the crossfire. Police have detained five suspects as investigators work to determine the full sequence of events and whether additional people were involved.
Police said the shooting was reported around 1:22 p.m. inside the mall’s food court, where witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots in quick succession. Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said surveillance video shows two groups arguing before opening fire. “This was a disagreement that turned into gunfire,” Morse said, noting that several innocent people were nearby when the shooting began. Shoppers and employees fled or hid as chaos spread through the mall, while officers arrived within minutes and secured the scene.
Emergency responders transported victims to local hospitals, with some taken by ambulance and others arriving in private vehicles. Officials said at least one victim required surgery, while others suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious. Authorities have not released the identity of the person killed. Investigators confirmed that the injured included bystanders, not participants in the dispute. Police said one weapon has been recovered, but they believe more may have been used during the incident.
The shooting forced a lockdown of the mall, one of the region’s busiest shopping centers, as law enforcement cleared stores and escorted people to safety. Witnesses described scenes of fear and confusion, with families separated and workers sheltering in back rooms. Officials said the mall was closed for the remainder of the day as investigators processed the scene and collected evidence.
Law enforcement agencies, including federal partners, are assisting in the investigation. Authorities said five people are in custody but indicated more suspects could still be identified. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and urging witnesses to share videos or photos that may help establish a timeline and identify those involved.
Local and state leaders condemned the violence, with officials pledging accountability for those responsible. Police emphasized that the shooting was not a random attack but a targeted conflict that endangered others nearby. “There is no ongoing threat to the public,” Morse said, adding that officers would maintain a visible presence in the area.
The incident comes amid heightened concern about gun violence in Louisiana following recent deadly shootings elsewhere in the state. Community leaders expressed concern about the impact on public safety and called for continued cooperation with investigators.
Authorities said the investigation remains active, with additional charges possible as more details emerge. Police are expected to provide further updates as evidence is reviewed and suspects are questioned.
As of Friday, officials said the mall remains closed while the investigation continues, with reopening plans to be announced later. A briefing is expected once investigators complete initial interviews and evidence collection.
Author note: Last updated April 24, 2026.