At least two people have been reported dead after a shooting inside the Fairlane Town Center mall in Dearborn, Michigan, on Friday afternoon.
Dearborn Police Chief Issa confirmed that two people were killed, and an innocent bystander was shot. One of the victims suffered a gunshot wound to the head, while another was shot in the abdomen.
Law enforcement has not released any information about the suspect, but officials said the shooting was not a random act of violence. Instead, it was a dispute between two parties that escalated into gunfire.
"It was between two parties that knew each other here at the mall, and a fight began that escalated into gunfire," said Chief Issa. "It appears that both parties had firearms. We have a number of the people involved at the station and we're interviewing them to better understand what led to this escalation."
The Dearborn Police Department issued an urgent warning to the public, instructing residents and visitors to avoid the area while officers work to secure the active scene.
The mall will be closed for at least a few hours as police wrap up the investigation. Officials described the shooting as "completely unacceptable" and "unconscionable," particularly in a public space where people are shopping.
The state of Michigan is assisting with the investigation, which is ongoing.
