On Thursday, around 1:30 PM Central Time, law enforcement responded to reports of shots fired in the food court of the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, LA.
Local KHOU 11 reported:
An argument between two groups of people at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge turned into a mass shooting on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
The Baton Rouge Police Department said in a press conference that six people were taken to the hospital from the incident. The Baton Rouge police chief that clarified that there were six total victims, one of which was pronounced dead.
Officials originally reported that there were 10 victims.
“Two groups of people got into an argument inside the food court and started shooting at each other,” Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse told reporters. “Unfortunately there were some innocent people in the area who might have also caught some rounds.”
Morse said at the time that at least two people needed surgery.
As of 5:22 p.m. Eastern, authorities said that five suspects are in custody in connection to the shooting.
Louisiana's Governor Jeff Landry (R) released a statement:
I am aware of the active shooter scene at the Mall of Louisiana. I am in coordination with law enforcement and we will update as we know more. Please avoid the area.
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) April 23, 2026
Sharon and I are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement…
Most of the victims were transported to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. The hospital issued a statement to the community and concerned family members.
“As we continue to serve the needs of our community in the wake of this tragedy, we ask that all family members report to the main entrance of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical. Please be advised that Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital are on secured access. We are asking that visitors and guests refrain from visiting our facility at this time, our emergency rooms will remain open at this time. Additional updates will be provided as the situation evolves.”
It is unknown how many of the victims were intended targets or how many bystanders may have been hit.
Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse gave an update, along with Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards, during a press conference.
WATCH:
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X that agents from the FBI Baton Rouge regional office are assisting law enforcement personnel on the scene.
.@FBINewOrleans and agents out of our Baton Rouge RS are continuing to assist our partners with the investigation on today’s shooting at the Mall of Louisiana. Please pray for the victims and their families - and we will update as able.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 23, 2026
It has been a week of tragedy and averted tragedy in the state of Louisiana. As RedState reported, on Sunday in Shreveport, LA, a father murdered 10 people, 8 of them children, in a domestic violence dispute. Early Thursday, RedState reported on a thwarted shooting plot. An ex-cop from North Carolina planned to enact mayhem by shooting up a festival in New Orleans. Thanks to law enforcement tracking him through license plate cameras, the ex-cop was arrested in Destin, Florida.
Read More: Gut-Wrenching Detail Released on Man in LA Who Committed Mass Shooting of 10, Killing 8 Children
This is a developing story. RedState will provide updates as warranted.
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