Active Shooter Reported At New Jersey Mall

Update: It’s now being reported that the gunman, Richard Shoop, 20, was found dead behind the mall from a self-inflicted gunshot. Luckily there have been no other injuries or fatalities. (Source)

The Garden State Plaza Mall located in Paramus, New Jersey is the scene of an ongoing active shooter situation that is believed to have begun around 9:20 pm local time. The shooting occurred near closing time and police and SWAT are now on the scene. The 2 million sq. ft. mall has been put under full lockdown.

Witnesses have conflicting reports about how many shots were fired, but it seems that at least three shots were fired and as many as nine, described as “booms.” One eyewitness reported seeing a man in black, perhaps with body armor and a motorcycle helmet who was shooting at security cameras. This description was corroborated by a second witness, but the second witness also reported seeing the shooter speaking with other individuals before “suiting up” and firing. The second witness also described shots from a semi-automatic rifle, as well as the booms from a shotgun.

So far no injuries are being reported, but the shooter(s) is(are) believed to still be in the mall. We will keep you updated as this situation develops. In the meantime, the latest information can be found at Twitter: #gardenstateplazamall.

In the wake of the recent LAX shooting, it is important to pay close attention to the narrative being put forth by mainstream media and establishment law enforcement, as well as any political spin quickly introduced in the area of gun control. Current New Jersey gun control laws can be found here.