One person has died and at least five others are recovering after a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, La.
At approximately 1:22 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 23, an officer assigned to the mall and a deputy from the sheriff’s department, who was in the mall’s parking lot, responded to reports of gunfire, Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. said during a press conference, according to WDSU News. Dozens of law enforcement officers arrived at the scene within minutes.
“Our investigators learned a total of six victims, one of whom unfortunately succumbed to their injuries,” said Morse, per WDSU News. “We’re not going to be sharing any information tonight about those victims, so the families are able to adequately notify next of kin,” he said.
One victim has undergone surgery, while four others suffered minor injuries, WBRZ reported. Police initially said that 10 people had been hurt, but officials later revised that number, according to CNN.
During Thursday’s press conference, Morse stated that the incident was “not a random act,” but stemmed from a dispute between two separate groups inside a food court.
“Unfortunately, innocent victims got caught in the crossfire,” he said.
During the press conference, the police chief said that five people are currently in custody and that officers have recovered one weapon.
Officials are urging the public to continue submitting videos and photos to police, as they believe “there are still more suspects out there.” While authorities have not publicly identified the victims, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said that students from Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette are among them.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Ascension Episcopal School said, “We are heartbroken by the news that some of our students were injured in a serious off-campus incident. We ask our community to join us in holding our school in prayer during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Out of deep respect for the families and the sensitivity of this situation, we will not be sharing additional details at this time. Our priority is the care of our students and school family,” the statement concluded. Monique Blanco Boulet, Lafayette Parish Mayor-President, also shared a statement on social media: “We are heartbroken by the senseless violence that happened today at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. The victims include three seniors from Ascension Episcopal School here in Lafayette.”
PEOPLE has reached out to Baton Rouge police and Ascension Episcopal School for further comment as the investigation continues.
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