According to South Carolina authorities, several people were shot in Columbia at a shopping center on Saturday afternoon.
They say 10 people were shot and two others were injured while running from the bullets at the Columbiana Centre, a busy mall in the state’s capitol.
W.H. Columbia Police Chief “Skip”Holbrook claimed that three gun owners were held for questioning. Nobody was hurt. Age ranged from 15 to 73.
Holbrook stated that two of the 10 victims were in critical but stable condition while six other are stable.
Officials state that the melee began at 2.30 p.m. and that someone within the mall called 911 after the first shots were fired.
Holbrook stated that investigators believe the shooting was not accidental and may have been the result a dispute among the three gun owners.
The Columbia Police Department posted regular updates on Twitter about the situation.
The mall’s main entrance is reportedly closed. Store employees were asked by police to remain in their place until a police officer was able safely to transport them out.
Columbiana Centre released a statement that was shared on Twitter by police. “Today’s isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely upsetting and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. We are grateful for the quick response and continued support of our security team and our partners in law enforcement.”
Police want anyone who witnessed the incident or took video to contact Columbia Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau, 803-545-3525.
RELATED STORIES
