WAYNE, N.J. — A chaotic scene unfolded at Willowbrook Mall on Tuesday evening after reports of shots fired in the busy mall food court area, prompting a large police response and the evacuation of shoppers, authorities confirmed.
Police were called to the mall just after 7 p.m. following reports that a physical fight escalated and at least one shot was fired inside the food court. Shoppers and employees were quickly evacuated as law enforcement — including local officers and state troopers — secured the area.
While the situation sparked panic and confusion, no confirmed injuries have been reported, and mall officials later stated that there were no apparent victims inside the mall when emergency crews arrived.
In the immediate aftermath, multiple suspects were detained at or near the scene. Initial reports indicated that two adults and one juvenile were taken into custody shortly after the incident, and subsequent police operations led to the arrest of seven people in total connected to the altercation and discharge of the firearm.
Investigators also recovered a stolen handgun believed to have been used during the disturbance, and charges against those arrested include involvement in a public brawl and related offenses, according to police statements.
Wayne Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or captured video of the disturbance to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
Mall operations were disrupted briefly as authorities managed the response, but Willowbrook Mall reopened in the following days after the scene was cleared.