Riverchase Galleria: Shoppers seek cover after food court shooting
A gunshot near the food court on Friday forced employees to lock down stores, with the mall reopening after Hoover Police confirmed no threat remained.
By Bianca Herrera ·
Wendy Powell entered the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover on Friday to celebrate her granddaughter's 12th birthday. She was inside Hot Topic with four children when a loud bang echoed through the concourse, prompting a sudden rush of people running and screaming.
"I knew it was a gunshot. It just sounded like one," Powell said. Witness video shows a fight breaking out near the food court and nearby kiosks before the shot was fired. The sound sent shoppers fleeing for cover.
Employees at Hot Topic ushered Powell and the children into a back room. They remained sheltered until staff confirmed it was safe to leave. None of the children or Powell were injured. Powell noted the children were panicked because they knew a gun was involved but did not know if they were safe.
Another witness reported hearing the gunshot before taking cover inside Claire's. An employee locked the doors and stayed with him until the area was clear. Powell said the incident has made her more cautious about visiting public spaces. "It makes you skeptical to really go anywhere nowadays," she said.
General Growth Properties, the mall's management, stated the incident is under investigation by the Hoover Police Department. A spokesperson thanked the police and the mall's security team for their swift action. The management team determined there is no threat to the shopping center community.
The mall has reopened, though individual store hours may vary. GGP announced an additional security presence at the Riverchase Mall throughout the weekend. This includes Hoover Police Department officers stationed at the location.
Powell expressed frustration with the need for increased caution. "I hate that for us," she said. The mall's security protocols are expected to remain heightened as the investigation continues.
