Police in New York are investigating after a shooter opened fire in a mall — and the incident was caught on video.
On Saturday, March 1, state police in New Hartford, N.Y. — located east of Syracuse — said that multiple shots were fired at the Sangertown Square Mall at around 12:45 p.m. local time, per the Observer-Dispatch and WKTV.
In a statement, state police said that law enforcement officials, including the New Hartford Police Department, are still searching for the suspect.
Security camera footage of the incident obtained shows the moment that shots rang out and people inside a hair salon at the mall quickly reacted. In the video, people in the salon can be seen looking around as the first shots rang out, unsure of what was happening. Then they all began to run for cover.
One woman can even be heard calling out for her child, and the pair were reunited before running out of the salon, hugging each other. Others seemingly fled to the back of the store, attempting to hide from the possible shooter.
Police tape (stock image).
Getty
“At this time, one male victim has been identified but is uncooperative with investigators. Out of caution, the mall is being evacuated,” police wrote in their statement, adding, “This is not an active shooter situation.”
According to the Observer-Dispatch, the injured man was taken to Wynn Hospital for treatment. New Hartford Town Supervisor Paul Miscione also told the outlet that authorities do not yet know the motive behind the shooting.
“We don’t know why this happened yet, but law enforcement are currently investigating and checking every camera,” Miscione said. He also told the outlet that the shooter was not yet in custody, but that this was not a random incident.
In a Facebook post, Miscione advised local community members to stay away from the mall as police are still investigating.
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his families. We are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence,” Miscione wrote in the post. “The safety and security of our residents remain a top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this act are held accountable.”
Miscione also encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to authorities.
“In the coming days, we will continue to provide updates as we receive more information,” he added. “For now, I ask everyone to respect the ongoing investigation and the privacy of those affected by this tragedy.”
The investigation is still ongoing, state police added in their statement.
