A quiet afternoon turned into chaos at the Brass Mill Center in Waterbury, Connecticut, on Tuesday when gunfire broke out inside the shopping mall, sending shoppers running for cover and leaving five people injured. The incident happened just before 5 p.m., right in the heart of the mall where families, workers, and teens were going about their day.
Police say the shooting wasn’t random. It stemmed from a heated argument between people who apparently knew each other. What started as a dispute quickly escalated, ending in violence that shocked everyone nearby.
Victims Recovering, None With Life-Threatening Injuries
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, treating victims and clearing the area. Five adults were shot and taken to nearby hospitals. Thankfully, officials have confirmed that all of them are expected to survive. Their names haven’t been released yet, but police say they are continuing to recover.
People inside the mall at the time described a terrifying scene. Some said they heard several loud pops, followed by people screaming and running for the exits. Others locked themselves in store stockrooms or hid behind counters.
One Arrest Made, Search for Clues Continues
Police have arrested one suspect, a man believed to be in his early 20s. Investigators think another person may have been involved, possibly helping him escape the scene. A firearm was recovered nearby, and detectives are testing it to determine if it was the weapon used in the shooting.
As of now, charges have not been formally announced, but police say they’re confident they have the right person in custody. The investigation is still active, with local officers working alongside federal agents from the FBI and ATF.
Swift Police Response Praised
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo held a press conference later that evening and commended both his officers and the mall staff for how they handled the situation. He said their quick actions likely prevented more people from getting hurt.
“Everyone did what they were supposed to,” Spagnolo said. “Mall employees helped keep people calm, and officers cleared the scene quickly.”
Large portions of the mall were shut down for several hours as officers swept through the building to make sure no one else was in danger. Shoppers were eventually allowed to leave after being escorted out by police.
Community Voices Frustration and Fear
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont called the shooting a “terrible event” and urged residents to stay vigilant. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes also responded, expressing sympathy for the victims and frustration about yet another act of gun violence in her district.
Local residents say they’re angry and worried. “You never expect something like this to happen at the mall where you shop every week,” said one woman who had just left the food court minutes before the shooting began. “It’s just scary. What if my kids were with me?”
What Comes Next
Investigators are now reviewing security footage and asking for witnesses to come forward. Anyone who was in the mall and saw something is being urged to contact the Waterbury Police Department. While police say there’s no ongoing danger to the public, they remain focused on understanding exactly what happened and why.
For now, the Brass Mill Center is expected to reopen with extra security in the coming days, but the community is still trying to process what occurred in a place that, until now, felt safe and familiar.
