Ten people have been shot and two others injured in a shooting at a shopping centre in South Carolina
Three people who had firearms were arrested after the incident at the Columbiana Centre in Columbia.
At least one of those held fired a weapon, said Columbia police chief William Holbrook.
“We don’t believe this was random,” Mr Holbrook said. “We believe they knew each other and something led to the gunfire.”
10 people were treated for gunshot wounds, while the other two were injured due to a stampede caused by the shooting.
Image: 10 were treated for gunshot wounds
Mr Holbrook said two of the gunshot victims were in a critical but stable condition and there were no fatalities.
Columbia Police deputy chief Melron Kelly earlier told The State newspaper that officers were “going store to store and closet to closet searching for someone with a weapon”.
Image: Police officers were seen outside the Columbiana Centre as they investigated the shooting
“Officers have been evacuating the mall and getting people to safety,” the police added.
Officers earlier said they were responding to “shots fired” at the centre.
Image: Police responded to ‘shots fired’ at Columbiana Centre. Pic: Google Street View
They said: “We have confirmed that people have been injured during the incident, they are receiving medical attention.
“The extent of injuries [are] unknown at this time.”
Columbia Police Department later issued a statement that said: “Today’s isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely upsetting and our thoughts are with everyone impacted.
“We are grateful for the quick response and continued support of our security team and our partners in law enforcement.”
