Florida: Unidentified Gunman Opens Fire At Shopping Mall Killing One And Injuring Another (image @ocalapd)

An unidentified gunman opened fire at Florida mall killing one while injuring another. The incident happened at common area of Paddock Mall in Ocala, central Florida on Saturday. Media report said the incident happened around 3:40 pm. As per the police, the suspect fled the location after the “targeted” attack on the victims, and left behind the firearm.

Mike Balken, Ocala Police Chief said the male victim was found dead at the mall after multiple shots fired at him. A woman was also injured in the leg. The deceased was identified to be Nathaniel Barron (40), said Ocala Police in their X (formerly twitter). The police also asked “anyone who was at the mall who may have video recorded any part of the shooting using heir phone” to share it with detectives for investigation.

The victim of the shooting at the Paddox Mall has been identified as David Nathaniel Barron, 40. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and we are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice. https://t.co/3JTXIoWpNb

— Ocala Police (@ocalapd) December 24, 2023

The mall was packed ahead of the Christmas festivities and was evacuated after the incident. Mr. Balken said officers immediately entered the mall and was able to discover that the miscreant was “not what we would consider an active shooter”.

Several others got injured during the incident, with one of the patrons in the mall having chest pain and was reported with broken arm, said police. Police said the mall is expected to be closed for the next 12 hours for the investigation and asked people to avoid the area. Witnesses are also asked to come forward amid the search for the suspected shooter.