On Saturday, March 1, chaos inside a New York mall ensued as an unidentified suspect fired multiple shots, injuring one. Video footage of the mall's security cameras has surfaced online, showing horrified people, parents, and children, fleeing from the shots.
Videos by Wide Open Country
According to the Observer-Dispatch, the shooting took place at Sangertown Square Mall, located at 8555 Seneca Turnpike in New Hartford. Reportedly, the shooting took place at around 12:46 p.m., when a then-unidentified shooter allegedly fired multiple shots against a single target. Authorities, including a S.W.A.T team, performed a sweep of the mall and evacuated it.
Following their investigation, it was determined that the shooting was targeted, meaning that the suspect was not an active shooter and that the incident was not a random act of violence.
Video footage obtained by TMZ shows people inside a salon as they hear the shots being fired in the mall. Many began shouting as they began looking for cover at the back of the salon. A woman and a child become separated before they reunite, running out of the store.
According to PEOPLE, police were able to identify the targeted victim, stating that the victim was not cooperative with investigators.
New Hartford Town Supervisor Paul Miscione addressed the incident via a statement posted on Facebook. He called the incident a "senseless act of violence."
"The safety and security of our residents remain a top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this act are held accountable," Miscione wrote."In the coming days, we will continue to provide updates as we receive more information. For now, I ask everyone to respect the ongoing investigation and the privacy of those affected by this tragedy."
Shooter Identified
A day after the incident, on Sunday, March 2, the
New Hartford Police Department revealed that they had identified and apprehended the suspect in connection with the mall shooting. His name is Malachi T. Wynder, a 20-year-old man from Rome, New York. He was located by police in Utica and brought to Oneida County Jail.Police charged Wynde with attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a loaded firearm. He could face additional charges, pending the ensuing investigations carried out by police.
