The Columbia Police Department has confirmed the reports of a mall shooting that occurred around 2:03 p.m.
Authorities were dispatched to the scene of a shooting inside of Columbiana Centre. The call promoted response from the Columbia Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, WISTV News reported.
Chief Skip Holbrook confirmed no fatalities. However, 12 people were injured.
Ten of those victims were hit by gunfire, and the other two were trampled in the crowd as people tried to run to safety.
Six of the injured have been listed in stable condition, and two are in critical condition.
The youngest victim is 15-years-old, while the oldest is 73.
Authorities have detained three people, and Holbrook said police do not believe this is a random shooting and that the suspects knew each other.
Police have since been clearing the stores inside the mall and asking anyone still inside to stay there until officials can evacuate them.
Prisma Health stated the shooting, “Prisma Health sends its thoughts and prayers to everyone impacted by the incident at Columbiana Centre Mall, including our first responders. Prisma Health hospitals in the Midlands received 11 patients with various injuries, including gunshot wounds. These Emergency Departments are on lockdown, which is a normal part of emergency procedures.”
Prisma Health reported later in the evening that of the 11 patients receiving medical attention in Prisma Health hospitals, nine have been treated and released. Two patients were admitted.
