HOOVER, ALABAMA — A shooting broke out at Riverchase Galleria, the largest mall in Alabama, when an argument apparently began between two individuals. Things escalated even more from there, and multiple armed shoppers were seen drawing their firearms in preparation for the worst.
Innocent bystanders were caught in the middle, including a 12-year-old girl who was shot.
An 18-year-old male was shot and was rushed to UAB Hospital’s Trauma Center where he was in serious condition. A 12-year-old girl was also shot and wounded. Authorities said she is believed to alert and conscious at Children’s of Alabama. A 21-year-old Hueytown man, whose name has not been released, was shot and killed by Hoover police.
Two people, a 21-year-old male and an 18-year-old male began arguing inside the mall. One of them, the 18-year-old, was shot by the other and taken to the hospital for treatment. It isn’t clear whether or not the 18-year-old was armed as well, but it doesn’t seem to be the case.
The suspect tried to flee, but an officer was in close proximity to what was unfolding.
“The Hoover police officer actually was running to the scene, he heard gunshots, he was obviously very near the scene, he actually shot and killed the person who injured the other person,’’ Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rectors said.
Shoppers were taking photos and video that quickly made their way around the internet. The below video was taken and shows the deceased suspect on the ground. As a warning, the contents may be graphic to some viewers.
Footage from inside of the Galleria Mall shooting just minutes ago. pic.twitter.com/MHw4BgWB6g
— Austin Smith (@Aus10Smithh) November 23, 2018
None of the armed citizens who reportedly drew their firearms fired any shots, according to reports. Police were in the vicinity of the shooting and were able to stop things quickly. Unfortunately, a 12-year-old girl was injured, but thankfully she was conscious and expected to survive.
A gun was recovered in Santa’s Village. Happy Holidays. Stay armed and vigilant.
After last night’s shooting at the Galleria, @HooverPD confirm they’ve recovered a gun left in Santa’s Village. @CityofHoover @WBRCnews @WBRCgoodday pic.twitter.com/b13DY8izUB
— Bakari Savage (@BakariSavage) November 23, 2018
