Wisconsin police still searching for mall shooting suspect

Authorities in Wisconsin are still looking for the suspect at large who shot and injured seven adults and one teenager at a suburban Milwaukee mall on Friday.

Friday afternoon, a suspected shooter identified as a “white male in his 20s or 30s” shot and injured eight people near the entrance of a Macy’s store, according to Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber, The Associated Press reported.

One victim reported hearing eight to 12 gunshots near the entrance to the mall, and several others reported they “immediately” fell to the ground after recognizing the sound of gunshots, local ABC affiliate WISN-TV reported.

The extent of the victims’ injuries is unknown, but all are alive and seeking medical treatment.

The shooter reportedly fled the scene before emergency personnel arrived, and Wauwatosa Police released a statement saying the Mayfair Mall would be closed Saturday and until further notice.

Heavily armed FBI agents led the process of “methodically” clearing the mall of anyone still inside after the shooting, the AP added.

Preliminary investigative conclusions led authorities to believe the shooting was not a random act but provoked by an altercation at the scene, according to witness interviews.

Police remained at the mall late into the night Friday and into Saturday morning looking for potential evidence leading to the suspect at large.

Our thoughts go out to our community, especially those who were injured and affected by the incident today. Events like this shake a community, and we remain committed to protecting those who live in and visit Wauwatosa.

— Wauwatosa Police (WI) (@WauwatosaPD) November 21, 2020

“Our thoughts go out to our community, especially those who were injured and affected by the incident today,” the department wrote on Twitter. “Events like this shake a community, and we remain committed to protecting those who live in and visit Wauwatosa.”

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) posted to Twitter on Friday, extending his condolences to the victims and families affected by the shooting earlier in the day.

Our hearts go out to those who were injured in the shooting at Mayfair Mall today. Kathy and I are thinking of them and their families and wish them a full and speedy recovery.

— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) November 21, 2020

“Our hearts go out to those who were injured in the shooting at Mayfair Mall today. Kathy and I are thinking of them and their families and wish them a full and speedy recovery,” Evers wrote.