Waterbury, Connecticut (AP): On Tuesday at the Brass Mill Centre, a gunman opened fire, injuring five individuals, leading to an evacuation and large-scale police response as authorities continue the search for the suspect.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo reported that officers were alerted to a disturbance at the mall at around 4:40 p.m. local time.
The victims are currently receiving medical care at nearby hospitals, but Spagnolo refrained from commenting on the seriousness of their injuries.
According to Spagnolo, the shooter is believed to be a man in his 20s, armed with a semiautomatic pistol, who had a prior acquaintance with the victims, suggesting the shooting resulted from a rapidly escalating dispute.
“We do not believe this was a random act of violence,” Spagnolo stated at a briefing outside the mall, reassuring that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
He commended the mall patrons and staff for their swift action in taking shelter, which contributed to minimizing potential harm.
“I think they mitigated a lot of what could have been a really bad incident here,” Spagnolo acknowledged.
“These acts occur. Unfortunately, it's the society we live in at times. But we can't let it get us down.” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont affirmed that state police will be involved in the investigation.
“Our hearts break for the Waterbury community, the victims, and their families who have been impacted by this incident,” stated Governor Lamont in a statement.
The Brass Mill Centre is situated near Interstate 84 in Waterbury, roughly 50 kilometers southwest of Hartford, the state capital.
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