Park Plaza Mall shooting causes Black Friday chaos as thousands around the country rush to shop top deals
SHOTS have been fired at a busy shopping mall sparking panic as customers scour for Black Friday deals.
Cops have confirmed the shooting as an isolated incident and immediately quieted active shooter fears.
"I haven't heard of any fatalities," Little Rock, Arkansas, Police spokesperson Mark Edwards told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
"I've heard maybe a couple of non-life-threatening injuries, but nothing fatal."
Cops were alerted to reports of an "active aggressor" at Park Plaza Mall in Little Rock at 1:45 pm local time on Black Friday, local CBS affiliate KTHV reported.
Two people who knew each other reportedly exchanged gunfire.
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Little Rock police confirmed that three individuals sustained non-life-threatening gunshot injuries.
It's not clear what may have prompted the shooting.
No victims or suspects have been identified.
The mall is being evacuated and will remain closed for the day.
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Cop cars, ambulances, and fire trucks were lining the perimeter of the mall.
And cops were seen charging into the mall with guns drawn.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. condemned the violence as "unacceptable" and saying it "recklessly put lives at risk."
"The careless, senseless, and criminal actions of two individuals today jeopardized the lives and safety of residents and visitors," he continued.
"We are praying for the victims of this incident, and are hopeful they make a full recovery."
Park Plaza Mall also released a statement, saying, "Our hearts go out to the individuals affected in this incident, along with their loved ones."
Police will continue to investigate.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. statement on Park Plaza Mall shooting
Scott, Jr. posted the following on X:
“The careless, senseless and criminal actions of two individuals today jeopardized the lives and safety of residents and visitors.
"We are praying for the victims of this incident, and are hopeful they make a full recovery.
“We are grateful to our law enforcement officers, first responders, mall security and employees, and everyone who acted quickly to ensure safety and protect others.”
SHOPPING CHAOS
Elsewhere in the country, shoppers lined up in the bone-chilling cold from the early hours of the morning to be among the first to shop Black Friday deals.
But many weren't there for traditional doorbusters like TVs and other big electronics.
They were there for Taylor Swift merchandise released in an exclusive partnership with Target.
Fans of the pop superstar lined up outside of Target stores around the country to score limited edition merch from her Eras Tour.
A vinyl album and a behind-the-scenes book were the two hot ticket items shoppers were vying for.
Photos emerged on social media of eager fans camped out in chairs and wrapped in heavy jackets and blankets.
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, over 300 people braved near-freezing temps in line ahead of that Target store's 6 am opening, according to the Winston-Salem Journal.
"Only taylor swift could make me get to target before 5am and i wouldn’t have it any other way," one shopper wrote on X.
"My target was sold out of the vinyl by the time I went," another shopper shared.
Meanwhile, shoppers at the Mall of America queued in 15-degree weather hours before its planned 7 am opening.
Over 13,000 shoppers entered the mall between 7 am and 8 am Friday, mall officials told CBS News.
"We are rolling out the red carpet with exceptional prizes, festive entertainment, and plenty of fun for those who have made a tradition of celebrating Black Friday with us," Mall of America's chief marketing officer Jill Renslow told the outlet.
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Among those prizes were $25 gift cards to the mall, given to the first 200 people to enter.
But one lucky shopper scored a gift card worth $2,500.
