10 Injured in Targeted Shooting at Baton Rouge Mall

Gunfire erupted in the food court of the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Thursday afternoon, injuring at least 10 people in what authorities described as a targeted shooting stemming from an argument between two groups.

The incident occurred around 1 p.m., according to Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas J. Morse Jr. Officers responded quickly to reports of shots fired, evacuating shoppers and employees while setting up a triage area near a department store entrance. All individuals inside the mall were escorted to safety, with some directed into underground service tunnels during the initial chaos. Paramedics transported the wounded to nearby hospitals, where several underwent emergency surgery. Officials reported no fatalities, though at least two victims remained in critical condition.

Investigators believe the shooting began when two groups engaged in a dispute that escalated to gunfire. "Two groups of people got into an argument inside the food court and started shooting at each other," Morse told reporters at the scene. "Unfortunately, there were some innocent people in the area who might have also caught some rounds." Witnesses described hearing multiple pops, initially...