Two people are dead and five people, including a Boise Police officer, were hurt during a shots fired event at Boise Towne Square, according to an updated release from BPD.
Police say they are making notifications to family of those involved. The officer hurt in the shooting has been treated and released, according to BPD.
The mall will remain closed and anyone who needs to pick up items left in the mall can now do so, according to BPD. Police ask anyone returning to pick up items to enter and exit from Cole Road.
Milwaukee Road reopened tonight, according to Ada County Highway District. The mall parking lot is still closed and officials ask anyone in the area to respect police as investigations continue.
Chief Ryan Lee says only they believe only one person is responsible for the shooting, and the suspect is in custody. Lee held a press briefing Monday afternoon to provide an update on the shooting.
"I cannot stress enough how traumatic this event is for the community at large, as well as for those that were witnesses or the families of those involved," said Lee.
Ada County Coroner Dotti Owens confirmed the coroner's office is responding to the shooting. No more information is expected to be released until Tuesday.
Lee says police responded to the mall at around 1:50 Tuesday afternoon. Shortly after police arrived on the scene, they found a person who matched the description and there was a gunfire exchange shortly after, according to Lee.
Lee says this was when the officer was injured and the suspect was taken into custody.
The majority of the mall has been cleared but officers were going through all the stores to check for any additional concerns and any more victims. Police do not believe there is not any ongoing threat to the public.
"Because this was an officer-involved shooting, the Critical Incident Task Force for Ada County has been activated," said Lee. "They will be leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting portion of this. The other events that occurred inside and outside the mall will be conducted as an investigation by the Boise Police Department."
Officers are responding to a report of shots fired at the mall on N. Milwaukee. People are asked to avoid the area. More information will be available here as it is confirmed.
— Boise PD (@BoisePD) October 25, 2021
"As we think about all those that were hurt today, my heart goes out to those who sheltered in place," said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. "Those who saw this crime. Those who weren't sure if they'd see a loved one again or who knew that they had someone they cared about in the mall. I am deeply sorry for the pain and trauma that you've experienced."
Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from the Boise field office are also on scene assisting Boise Police.
Gov. Brad Little called the event "unthinkable" and said the State is prepared to assist BPD in investigations, in a statement posted to Twitter.
Those injured in today’s unthinkable shooting at the Boise Towne Square Mall are in my prayers. The State of Idaho stands prepared to assist the Boise Police Department as they investigate the shooting.
— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) October 25, 2021
McLean thanked shop keepers in others in the mall, Boise Police and other first responders in a series of posts on Twitter.
Never should one have to - or does one expect - when they say good bye to their loved one before going to work or the mall that they'll get a call like they did today. However, countless Boiseans found themselves in a situation they never would have nor should have expected.
— Mayor McLean (@boisemayor) October 25, 2021
