Black Friday shooting: Shoppers Hurt In Deadly Shootout at Alabama mall

One teenager is dead and two others have been injured following a shooting at an Alabama mall open late ahead of Black Friday shopping.

The shooting happened around 9.30 pm on Thursday at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, a town 10 miles from Birmingham, according to authorities.

Police said a fight between two teenagers resulted in an exchange of gunfire.

One of the teenagers fled but was confronted by two Hoover police officers. Captain Gregg Rector said at a news conference that a Hoover officer “did engage that individual, shot him and he is dead on the scene.”

The police captain said the 18-year-old victim has at least one gunshot wound. “We believe he is in serious condition,” he said.

Police said a 12-year-old girl was also struck by gunfire and was taken to hospital by a fire department rescue unit. She received surgery for a single bullet wound but “does not have life-threatening injuries,” Mr Rector told CNN.

Witnesses told NBC News they heard as many as 10 shots fired on Thursday night.

Witness Debbie Woods told CBS 12 she heard shots while shopping at a jewellery store. “It was bang bang, then it was terrifying. Everybody started screaming and running,” she said.

The Riverchase Galleria said the mall, open until midnight ahead of Black Friday sales, is closed until further notice.

“We are working closely with the Hoover Police Department and are grateful for their swift action to contain the situation,” spokeswoman Lindsay Kahn said.

“While there is no current danger to our community, the shopping centre will remain closed for tonight.”

Source: Independent