Chaos at Hamilton Place Mall: Shoppers Flee After Reports of Gunfire, Heavy Police Response
Shoppers at Hamilton Place Mall in Chattanooga, Tennessee were sent into panic Friday evening after reports of gunfire inside the mall, triggering a mass rush for the exits and a large police response.
Witnesses say the incident unfolded near the entrance of Barnes & Noble, where crowds suddenly ran toward the parking lot, shouting for everyone to get out as fear of an active shooter spread through the area.
“We were walking into Barnes & Noble but were almost stampeded. People were yelling to get out. In the parking lot, several people said they heard gunshots. Sirens are blaring everywhere,” one witness told LockharTVMedia.
Multiple law enforcement units quickly responded to the scene, with sirens heard across the surrounding area as police began securing entrances and directing shoppers away from the mall. As of this time, it is unclear whether anyone was struck by gunfire or whether police have detained any suspects.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement, and the exact circumstances that led to the gunfire remain under investigation. Shoppers are being urged to avoid the mall area until further notice while officers clear the building and gather information from witnesses.
Hamilton Place Mall has seen sporadic security concerns in recent years, and this latest incident adds to growing worries about safety in public shopping centers—especially as holiday crowds increase during the Christmas season.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more details are confirmed by Chattanooga Police.
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