Eight people were injured in a shooting at the Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, on Friday, authorities said.
Seven adults and one teenager were taken to the hospital with injuries; Wauwatosa Chief of Police Barry Weber said in a statement.
The extent of their injuries is unknown, he said.
The suspect, described as a White male in his 20s or 30s; fled the scene before officers arrived at the Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa.
Police Chief Barry Weber said they were working to determine the suspect’s identity.
The shooting occurred around 2:50 p.m. Friday; prompting a large police presence of about 75 officers at the scene.
The Milwaukee division of the FBI said it was assisting local law enforcement.
Hours after the shooting, Wauwatosa police said a preliminary investigation led investigators to believe that the shooting “was not a random act; and was the result of an altercation.” They did not provide more details.
Preliminary investigation has led us to believe that this shooting was not a random act; and was the result of an altercation. We will continue to work diligently to interview the many witnesses; as well as the victims who were injured, to identify and apprehend the suspect.
— Wauwatosa Police (WI) (@WauwatosaPD) November 21, 2020
Earlier Friday, Mayor Dennis McBride said the shooter remained at large; and that none of the victims’ injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
McBride called the shooting an “active shooter” incident.
The Mayfair Mall released a statement on the shooting: “We are disheartened and angered that our guests; and tenants were subject to this violent incident today. We are thankful for our partners at the Wauwatosa Police Department; and we are cooperating with them as their investigation develops.”
Several witnesses said they heard gunshots ring out inside the shopping center.
According to a witness: “We’ve all been exposed to public shootings like this. I think all of us have thought of what we would do in a situation like this.” Steve Humphrey said his eldest daughter was inside as the shooting unfolded.
“I told her to just get low and wait; and hide till I get there;” Humphrey told the station as police swept the area.
He said his daughter was still inside the building speaking with officers. “She’s just a college kid trying to work and make a dollar.”
The FBI’s Milwaukee office also said it was responding to assist local law enforcement personnel.
Preliminary statements from witnesses indicate that the shooter is a white male in his 20s or 30s.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate