A man is killed and a woman injured in a ‘targeted’ afternoon shooting at a Florida shopping mall

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A male individual lost his life in a shooting incident that took place at a central Florida shopping mall, just two days prior to Christmas. Law enforcement authorities have indicated that the victim of this violent incident was deliberately “targeted.”

The unfortunate incident unfolded at the Paddock Mall, situated in Ocala, approximately 80 miles northwest of Orlando. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken addressed the media on Saturday evening, revealing that the man was fatally shot multiple times in a common area within the mall. Alongside the male victim, a woman was also struck by gunfire, sustaining a leg injury. She received medical treatment at a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, as confirmed by Balken.

The assailant swiftly fled the scene, leaving behind the firearm used in the attack. Law enforcement officers responded to the mall shortly after 3:40 p.m. following reports of multiple gunshots. Chief Balken emphasized that upon their arrival, officers determined that the situation did not qualify as an “active shooter” event. Instead, it appeared to be a premeditated act of violence specifically directed at the male victim.

The incident resulted in injuries to several other mall patrons, including one individual who experienced chest pain and another with a broken arm, according to the police.

In an effort to identify the perpetrator, the Ocala police released images of a person of interest, presumably captured by mall security cameras. The photographs depict an individual wearing dark clothing and a red cap. Chief Balken previously mentioned that the suspect had donned a hooded sweatshirt and partially covered his face with a mask during the attack.

The police have also appealed to the public for assistance, urging individuals to submit any mobile phone videos of the shooting scene they may possess.

The corporate owner of the mall, WPG, issued a statement expressing their cooperation with the Ocala Police Department in investigating the incident. The statement conveyed deep sadness and condolences to all those affected, emphasizing their commitment to the safety of mall guests, retailers, and employees.

Paddock Mall, which houses numerous stores including J.C. Penney and Foot Locker, witnessed moments of chaos and fear during the incident, prompting shoppers like Calvin and Diana Amos, who were in the J.C. Penney store at the time, to evacuate swiftly as they became aware of the unfolding situation. They described their emotions as a mix of fear and apprehension during the ordeal.

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