10 Shot, 2 Injured in South Carolina Mass Shooting

A mass shooting at a shopping mall in South Carolina left 12 people injured, authorities revealed late Saturday.

Columbia Police Chief Holbrook stated that three people who had firearms had been detained, noting that at least one of those three people fired a weapon.

“We don’t believe this was random,” Holbrook said. “We believe they knew each other and something led to the gunfire.”

Authorities reported that no fatalities have been reported but eight of the victims were badly injured and taken to the hospital. Holbrook pointed out that of those eight, two were in critical condition and six were in stable condition. He added that the victims ranged in age from 15 to 73.

Heavy police presence continued in the area hours after the shooting, though officers began letting more traffic through the streets surrounding the shopping centres and strip malls that are usually packed on weekends.

“Today’s isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely upsetting and our thoughts are with everyone impacted," Columbiana Centre said in a statement. "We are grateful for the quick response and continued support of our security team and our partners in law enforcement.”