Authorities said that officers had exchanged gunfire at the suspect during a news conference.
Monday evening’s news release by police stated that the suspect was in serious condition at a hospital, and that the officer who sustained injuries had been released. The suspect, officers and victims have not been identified by police.
Monday evening saw the mall secured. Police said that it would remain closed while the investigation continues.
Boise Police Chief Ryan Lee stated that the shooting was reported to authorities at 1:50 p.m. Monday. He also said that one person was “shot down” at that point.
The suspect was spotted by the officers when they arrived.
Lee stated that there was a brief exchange of gunfire which occurred shortly afterwards, resulting in the officer being injured and the suspect being taken into police custody. Lee stated that investigators believe that there was only one shooter and that there is no danger to the public.
Lee stated that it was impossible to speak of any motive behind the occurrence and called speculation premature.
Lee stated, “I cannot stress enough the trauma this event causes for the entire community, as well for those who were witnesses or the families of those involved, or both.”
Witnesses waited in the rain outside Macy’s, one of the five major department stores at the mall, to be interviewed or asked to leave. A section of the mall’s parking lot was occupied by police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. The investigation was assisted by federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives officers.
Officers closed a portion of a road about a quarter mile from a busy intersection to investigate a second crime scene in connection with the shooting incident. The officers at the second crime scene refused to answer any questions, other than to confirm that it was related to shooting investigation.
Cheri Gypin of Boise was walking for about an hour with a friend in the mall. They do this three to four times per week. She claimed she heard loud bangs and thought that something was on the ceiling. A total of 60 people, including stroller-wielding families, ran at her, some shouting that they were being attacked by an active shooter.
Gypin, 60, said that Gypin was helping her friend process the information. “I looked at her and said, “We have to run.” We ran until we reached the outer perimeter of our parking lot.
They returned to their cars, and police advised the people fleeing the mall to get out of the parking lot.
Lee stated that investigators worked with hospital officials to notify loved ones of the victims and their families.
Police said Monday evening that the Critical Incident Task Force, led by the Meridian Police Department will investigate the shooting between the suspects and officers.
Lauren McLean, Boise mayor, asked the media and members of the public to respect the privacy of victims and their families as they dealt with the trauma from the shooting. She expressed her gratitude to the first responders, law enforcement officers and other people who helped keep the community safe.
McLean stated that “Countless people found themselves trapped in a situation which they never expected” and praised the mall’s shopkeepers for their quick response to help those who were in need. In a chaotic and difficult moment, you showed how much you cared and what you were willing to do for strangers.
