12 Injured In South Carolina Mall Shooting; 3 Detained

COLUMBIA, SC — A dozen people were injured Saturday in a shooting at Columbiana Centre mall in Columbia, according to police. Three people have also been detained in connection with the shooting, authorities confirmed.

Police responded to shots fired at the mall shortly before 2:30 p.m. By 3 p.m., officers were working to evacuate patrons and employees from the building.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said of the 12 injured, 10 were shot and two were hurt as patrons rushed to leave the mall. Eight people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. At least two are in critical but stable condition.

Holbrook said the oldest victim is 73 and the youngest is 15.

Three people have been detained in connection with the shooting, Holbrook confirmed during a news conference.

Witness video posted to Snapchat also showed patrons leaving the mall.

Police are still assessing the scene, WIS-TV reported, and the mall's main entrance is closed. Parts of I-26 near Harbison are also closed, WIS reported.

Columbiana Centre issued a statement following the shooting:

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

Police have established a reunification site at Fairfield Inn, 320 Columbiana Dr., for those with family involved in the shooting.

Anyone still inside the mall should call 911 or 803-252-2911 and notify dispatchers of their location. An officer will be notified immediately, authorities said.

The incident remains under investigation.