A chilling incident unfolded at Vancouver Mall when families gathered to celebrate Halloween, turning the festive atmosphere into a scene of panic and fear. Around 7:30 in the evening, the Vancouver Police Department responded to reports of gunshots at the mall located at 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive.

The sudden gunfire disrupted the mall’s trick-or-treating activities, particularly terrifying families and young children who had come to enjoy the evening. Authorities reported that the shooting left one person dead and two others injured, with the suspect still on the loose and believed to be armed.
The Vancouver Fire Department acted promptly, transporting the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment. At a press conference held later, police spokeswoman Kim Kapp reassured the public, stating that there was no current threat within the mall and that it was safe for those sheltering inside to leave.
According to witness accounts, the suspect began shooting in the food court, targeting multiple individuals. When the police arrived on the scene, they confirmed the tragic loss of one life and two others needing medical attention. Officers were quick to assist in managing the chaos and ensuring the safety of those present.

Disturbingly, this frightening event unfolded amidst a Halloween celebration, where numerous children were dressed up, participating in a mall-wide trick-or-treating event scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. A witness described the horrific scene, emphasizing the panic and fear among the children.
The witness recounted seeing one young girl, estimated to be about eight years old, crying out in fear for her life amidst the pandemonium, making it an emotional ordeal for everyone involved. Fortunately, police have indicated that no children were injured in the incident.
Another account came from Gregory Iiams, who found himself in Round1 with his family when people began hurriedly exiting the area. Acting instinctively, he protected his children while trying to grasp the seriousness of the situation, eventually realizing the gravity of what was happening.
Natalya Brown, working in the mall at the time of the shooting, remembered hearing what she immediately recognized as gunshots. She and her colleagues took quick action, leading customers into their store and securing the premises until the police deemed it safe to emerge.
For an 18-year-old named Ryan Tomlin, the incident was equally shocking. Just finishing up bowling with friends when chants of “Shooter! Active shooter!” echoed, it was a startling reality check once they noticed the police presence outside.

Initially, people inside the mall were advised to shelter in place as a precaution. Coordinated efforts by the Lower Columbia SWAT Team, along with other law enforcement, facilitated the safe evacuation of everyone in the facility.
Outside, a designated reunification area near the Hobby Lobby was established to help families reconnect. Vancouver Police’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation, though whether this act was specifically targeted or random remains undetermined.

Efforts to identify the suspect are ongoing, with officials reviewing surveillance footage and appealing to the public for any information that could prove helpful. Authorities urge anyone with insights regarding the incident to contact them immediately.

The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, as it highlights a concerning issue with public safety in spaces people gather to enjoy everyday activities. Police continue to investigate with hopes of swiftly bringing closure to the affected families.