Two people were killed and five people — including a Boise police officer — were hurt during a shooting at a mall in Boise, Idaho, on Monday.
Police say officials are notifying the families of those involved in the incident. The police officer hurt in the shooting has been treated and released, according to Boise Police Department.
Boise police Chief Ryan Lee said officers responded to the mall at around 1:50 p.m. local time Monday. Shortly after police arrived on the scene, they found a person who matched the suspect's description, and there was an exchange of gunfire shortly after.
Lee says that was when a police officer was injured, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Lee says officials believe only one person is responsible for the shooting, and the suspect is in custody. He did not comment on a possible motive.
"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," Lee said.
Ada County Coroner Dotti Owens confirmed her office responded to the shooting. Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from the Boise field office were also on scene Monday assisting the Boise Police Department.
"Because this was an officer-involved shooting, the Critical Incident Task Force for Ada County has been activated," Lee said. "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."
Police do not believe there is not an ongoing threat to the public.
The mall will remain closed, and anyone who needs to pick up items left in the mall can now do so, according to BPD. The mall parking lot is still closed, and officials ask anyone in the area to respect police as investigations continue.
"As we think about all those that were hurt today, my heart goes out to those who sheltered in place," Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said. "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."
McLean also thanked shop keepers in others in the mall, Boise Police and other first responders in a series of posts on Twitter.
I want to thank the shop keepers and others in the mall for acting quickly to take care of those who were there. In a tough and chaotic moment, you showed how much you care and what you're willing to do to care for strangers.
— Mayor McLean (@boisemayor) October 25, 2021
Gov. Brad Little called the event "unthinkable" and said the State is prepared to assist BPD in investigations in a statement posted to Twitter.
Idahoans are deeply appreciative of our brave men and women of law enforcement and our first responders.
— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) October 25, 2021
This story was originally published by Katie Kloppenburg on Scripps station KIVI in Boise, Idaho.
