Fireworks set off inside 2 NYC malls sparking panic
Fireworks sparked panic at two New York City malls Saturday afternoon.
Two New York City malls have been reported to experience shooting scares as fireworks let off inside the malls. One incident took place in the Bronx, the other in Brooklyn.
Police say the loud bangs caused a shooting scare, but no gunshots were fired.
In light of recent mass shootings, the possibility of an active shooter caused hours of chaos and commotion at Kings Plaza Shopping Center.
Shoppers and employees were evacuated from the building in fear that another tragedy could happen.
Cellphone video shows the frantic evacuation of the King Plaza mall early Saturday afternoon with people running for cover.
Police responded to the scene and shut down the mall.
People gathered outside different entrances wondering what happened and if they were safe.
“I was hearing that there was a shooting inside or it might have been fireworks,” one Brooklyn resident said.
“Very scary, very scary. You don’t know when it’s going to happen, when it’s gonna be next. It can be anywhere. It can be anyone,” shopper Sharon Filler said.
The same thing happened at the Mall at Bay Plaza in the Bronx around 1:30 p.m.
The loud bangs of the fireworks are tied to trauma with the frequent and recent mass shootings in Buffalo, Uvalde, Texas, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and another recent gun scare at the Barclays Center.
Safety is top of mind for many New Yorkers.
When the Kings Plaza mall eventually reopened, there was a noticeable police presence inside, and two separate kiosks were taped off with security guarding the area.
Police have not said if the two incidents were related, and there have been no arrests.
