American Dream Shooting Happened Inside Mall: Report

Mahwah NJ

08 April, 2022

9:04 AM

Description

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — A man was shot inside the American Dream megamall Thursday, sending employees and customers running for cover or to get outside before state police locked down the 3-million square foot campus. State police confirmed to NorthJersey.com on Friday afternoon that the shooting was inside the mall on the second floor. Detectives believe this to be an isolated incident, state police said. The shooting was reported around 5:50 p.m., according to state police. The victim, who has not been named, has serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital. Read more: 'Shooting Incident,' But No Active Shooter At American Dream: Police The detectives' preliminary investigation indicates that one suspect shot the man, state police said. "There is no threat to the public and the incident remains under investigation," police said. The mall is on normal business hours Friday. "American Dream is operating with normal business hours today following an isolated incident yesterday evening, as New Jersey State Police confirmed there is no cause for concern," a post on the mall's Facebook page said. "The safety and security of our guests, tenants and team members continues to be our top priority. We will continue to have increased security and police presence throughout the property." State Police told NorthJersey.com that the shooting happened on the second floor of the mall, in the retail section. The mall was in lockdown while police investigated. Troopers cleared the building while escorting patrons out. Some patrons and employees huddled for hours inside the mall, waiting for someone to tell them they were safe. Governor Phil Murphy thanked the NJSP troopers and other law enforcement professionals on scene. The megamall, which opened in 2019, is 3 million square feet and features two theme parks and an indoor ski slope, as well as dining and retail.