ANNE ARUNEL CO. — Police are searching for a suspect whose gun accidentally went off at the Arundel Mills Mall food court Saturday, causing chaos and prompting the mall's evacuation.
Can’t believe what happened at Arundel Mills today literally worst experience of my life
— Christoph Hargadon (@isthiskris_) October 2, 2022
According to officials, officers were called to the area for shots heard at the mall, at about 3:30 p.m. Oct. 1.
People reported on social media that crowds were running from the mall, while others were hiding in stores amidst reports of an active shooter. There were videos of gridlock around the area as cars struggled to leave the area.
Stuck in traffic at arundel mills mall after a shooter alert 🚨 pic.twitter.com/6PYgYqxYU8
— SalvadorHumbertoVillacorta (@HumbertoSV2) October 1, 2022
Police said that the suspect appeared to be adjusting his pants when his concealed gun went off, into the floor.
No injuries were reported as a result of the actual bullets.
Police also said the suspect ran away along with the other shoppers. They're asking anyone with information to call (410) 222-6155 or the Anne Arundel County Police Tip-Line at (410) 222-4700. The suspect is described only as a black man with a dark complexion, medium build, black hair, black cargo type pants, black shirt, tan jacket, black sneakers/white soles, possibly armed with a black, semi-automatic handgun.
Unwittingly stumbled into the massive initial response to shots fired at Arundel Mills mall, reminding me once again that our nation continues to fail to adequately address both the severe mental health crisis and enormous amount of firearms in our country.
— ilana Bittner (@ilanabit) October 1, 2022
Accidental discharge or not, the Arundel Mills Mall shooting is proof that all law abiding US citizens who wish to carry concealed in Maryland should be allowed to protect themselves from active shooters.
— The Hidden Jewell ⭐ VERIFlED Pureblood (@TheHiddenJewell) October 1, 2022
Anne Arundel County Executive Stewart Pittman issued a statement on the incident.
“Three months ago, the Supreme Court made it more dangerous to go to the mall in America. The NYSRPA vs. Bruen decision made it easier to carry guns in public places, and Maryland followed suit, removing the “good and substantial reason” that had been required to obtain a concealed carry permit. The following month, concealed carry permit applications in Maryland soared by 700% compared to the same month in 2021.
Today, we saw what happens when more guns are present in our communities. Families enjoying a meal in the food court at Arundel Mills experienced the terror of not knowing whether they would be the latest victims of a mass shooting. People fled, people were hurt, all because a firearm went off in a crowded public space. My heart goes out to everyone present for this incident - nobody should have to go through what you did today.
For four years, I have made it a priority to put in place common-sense local policies to prevent gun violence and death in Anne Arundel County. We have one of the best Police Departments in America, and from 2018-2021, every category of crime fell by ten percent or more. In June, our Gun Violence Intervention Team issued its strategic plan - read it at www.aahealth.org/GVIT.
But today, I am angry. Politicians glorify guns to get votes, the Supreme Court takes away our right in Maryland to pass and enforce our own gun permitting laws, and the result is terror.
I will stand with our law enforcement community and push back against this idea of promoting guns in public places. It’s dangerous and it’s stupid.”
