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Local and federal law enforcement agencies responded to the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, Thursday, after gunfire broke out inside the shopping center's food court and innocent shoppers were caught in the crossfire, killing at least one person and wounding several more.
The Baton Rouge Police Department confirmed the death and said five others were wounded, according to Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse.
All the victims were taken to city hospitals, according to Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards.
Five suspects are in custody, as of 4:15 p.m. local time, according to Morse.
The shooting broke out inside the Mall of Louisiana near the food court. (WGMB)
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Morse said the shooting unfolded after two people got into an argument in the courtyard of the food court and started shooting at each other, and innocent bystanders were caught in the middle.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said "a weapon or weapons" were discharged during the incident.
FBI New Orleans and Louisiana State Police confirmed to Fox News Digital they are responding to assist.
"@FBINewOrleans and agents out of our Baton Rouge RS are continuing to assist our partners with the investigation on today’s shooting at the Mall of Louisiana," FBI Director Kash Patel wrote in a statement on X. "Please pray for the victims and their families — and we will update as able."
Authorities responded to reports of an active shooter at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge Thursday, and Gov. Jeff Landry urged residents to avoid the area. (Google Maps)
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry asked the public to avoid the area, as the investigation remains active.
"Sharon and I are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement officials," Landry said.
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The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Murrill said she has spoken to East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore, who is monitoring the situation.
Law enforcement officers respond to reports of a shooting Thursday at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, La. (Sara Cline/AP Photo)
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The Mall of Louisiana is the largest mall in the state and the sole regional mall in Baton Rouge.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 344-STOP.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.
She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.
