Sioux Falls, SD—Gunshots in the vicinity of the Zumiez store caused a frenzy at the Empire Mall on Friday evening around 7:30 p.m. Police Chief Jon Thum confirmed two to three shots were fired and found shell casings at the location. No one was hurt, and no victims were found in the Empire Mall.
The suspect was identified to be a juvenile male aged between 13 and 17 years. Even though the suspect is still at large, Chief Thum explained that there is no continued danger to the public. He encouraged parents to discuss with their children who were at the Empire Mall when the incident occurred to gather more information.
Thum praised law enforcement and their rapid response, the SWAT team securing premises within such a short span. Still, initial fears about an active shooter, appear it was not a coordinated attack on the school or students; rather, it was just a personal decision of a minor who held a firearm.
The moments were of panic as people fled or took shelter in place. Lexi Vandehey was shopping at Macy’s when she initially thought that someone had knocked something over. “After a few seconds, we saw people running and started running ourselves,” she said.
Eventually, customers and employees were evacuated as the police continued working methodically to clear the large complex. Many of the shoppers couldn’t believe something like this had happened in their community. Sioux Falls resident Meghan Anderson was at the food court with her family when the chaos unfolded. “It didn’t seem real. People were running, leaving food behind—it was terrifying,” she said.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are looking for the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to come forward as the police work to ensure the safety of the community.
Empire Mall management said they will provide further updates on reopening as developments unfold.
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