"Gardens Mall secure" following reported shooting at the Palm Beach Gardens shopping center
MIAMI - On Wednesday evening, the city of Palm Beach Gardens said the Gardens Mall was secured following earlier reports of a shooting at the shopping center.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department said on social media, "The incident at the The Gardens Mall this afternoon was not an active shooter event and does not appear to be a random shooting. The scene is secure and the investigation is ongoing. We appreciate the rapid law enforcement and fire response from our local public safety partners."
The reported shooting prompted a large police response.
The mall was put on lockdown at around 3 p.m. and so were neighboring schools. All entrances to the mall had been closed.
Police, some wearing helmets and holding long guns, were searching all vehicles leaving the mall. Those who had been inside the mall were being escorted out by law enforcement officials.
So far no injuries have been reported and no one has been arrested.
There are reports of shots being fired at the Gardens Mall. First responders are on scene and investigating. The mall is on lockdown at this time.
— Palm Beach Gardens Police (@PBGPD) February 14, 2024
The mall is located in the 3100 block of PGA Boulevard.
Jupiter Police and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office had been assisting Palm Beach Gardens Police in their investigation.
The public was being urged to avoid the area.