Chaos erupted at The Mall in Columbia, located at 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Arundel County, Maryland, on Sunday when reports of an active shooter sent shoppers fleeing for safety. However, law enforcement officials later confirmed there was no evidence of a shooting, and the situation was resolved without incident.
Panic ensued when mall visitors reported hearing loud noises near the food court. Fearing the worst, shoppers and staff evacuated the premises or sheltered in place as rumors of an active shooter spread rapidly. Emergency response units, including officers from local and state law enforcement agencies, arrived promptly at the scene.
After thoroughly sweeping the premises, authorities determined that no shots had been fired. It was revealed that the commotion stemmed from a fight that broke out in the food court, leading to widespread confusion and alarm.
“We understand how distressing this situation was for everyone involved,” a spokesperson for the Arundel County Police Department said in a statement. “Our officers acted swiftly to secure the area and ensure the safety of all individuals at the mall. We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The scare highlights the heightened sensitivity to potential active shooter threats in public spaces, particularly during busy weekends. Mall patrons and staff commended law enforcement for their rapid response, though many expressed lingering unease.
“I was in the food court when I heard screaming,” said Sarah Greene, a shopper who was at the mall during the incident. “People were running in all directions. It was terrifying, but I’m grateful it wasn’t what we all feared.”
