Multiple Injured in Savannah Mall Shooting; Police Say Incident Was Not Random

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff   

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Richard Burkhart

At least six individuals, including a minor, were injured following a shooting at Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah on Tuesday evening, authorities confirmed.

The Savannah Police Department responded to the shooting at approximately 5:41 p.m. on July 2, according to Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther. The incident left three individuals two young adults and one minor with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. In addition, three other adults suffered medical-related complications and were also transported to the hospital.

All six victims were taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center for treatment, police said.

“We evacuated the mall. At this time, we are in our final stages of clearing the mall just to ensure there's no one left that needs help or anything like that,” Chief Gunther said during a press briefing around 10:38 p.m.

Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between two groups who appeared to know each other. “This was not a random act of violence,” Gunther said. As of now, no arrests have been made, but authorities are actively interviewing individuals involved in the incident at the hospital.

The Savannah Police Department confirmed via social media that there was no active threat to the public, although SWAT teams continued to clear the mall well into the evening.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson addressed the public in a Facebook statement, assuring residents and visitors that those responsible will be held accountable. “We remain committed to ensuring that Savannah is a safe place to live, work, shop, and visit,” Johnson said.

First responders from the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 574 were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. According to the union, firefighters assisted in treating the wounded and helping clear the building alongside law enforcement.

"This is an active and dangerous situation," the union posted on Facebook shortly after arriving on site, urging the public to avoid the area. By 6:53 p.m., the scene remained active, with emergency personnel still tending to occupants and ensuring their safe exit.

Witnesses described the gunfire as sounding like "fireworks," according to on-site reporters from the Savannah Morning News.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Savannah Police.