Eastpoint Mall Closes As 'Purge' Rumors Continue

Primary reporting by Editor Elizabeth Janney

The day after riots broke out in Baltimore, several malls in Baltimore County reportedly closed as rumors circulated on social media about potential demonstrations.

Eastpoint Mall in Dundalk, along with Owings Mills Mall and Security Square Mall, shuttered after learning that a “purge” may occur, according to WNEW.

Popular among juveniles, a “purge” is a concept inspired by a movie called The Purge, which shows what may happen if all crimes were legal, The Baltimore Sun reports.

A flier circulating on Twitter about the possible purge in the Baltimore County area indicated it may take place at 3:30 p.m. at Owings Mills Mall, Northern Parkway, Roger Station and the Alameda.

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“It may be just banter rolling around social media but the Mondawmin and Pennsylvania Ave ‘purge’ picture was also just banter,” said one user onReddit.

Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson said there was not any credible threat to establishments in the county, according to WBAL.

»Photo of nearly empty Eastpoint Mall parking lot via Twitter user Kacie Malloy