Waterbury, CT — May 27, 2025 — A chaotic and tragic scene unfolded at the Brass Mill Center on Tuesday afternoon when gunfire erupted inside the busy shopping mall, leaving five individuals hospitalized and a community shaken. The incident, which occurred around 3:15 p.m., has led to the indefinite closure of the mall as police continue an extensive investigation into what they are calling a “targeted act of violence.”

Emergency services rushed to the scene following multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired within the mall’s food court area. Responding officers found a scene of panic and confusion, with shoppers fleeing for exits and several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. The injured — four men and one woman — were transported to local hospitals. As of Wednesday morning, three of the victims were reported to be in stable condition, while two remained in critical condition.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, citing ongoing efforts to notify family members. Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo confirmed in a press briefing that officers had taken a person of interest into custody within hours of the shooting, but no charges have yet been filed. “We believe this was not a random attack,” Chief Spagnolo stated. “We are actively pursuing leads and working to determine the motive behind this incident.”

Security footage from inside the mall, as well as videos shared on social media, show shoppers ducking behind counters and sprinting through corridors as shots rang out. Several stores immediately locked their doors, sheltering employees and customers until police gave the all-clear.

“We were just about to get food when we heard what sounded like firecrackers,” said one eyewitness, a 19-year-old college student who asked not to be identified. “Then people started screaming and running. It was terrifying. We hid in a store for almost 45 minutes.”

The Brass Mill Center, a key retail hub in the city, was quickly evacuated and will remain closed while investigators comb the premises for evidence. Police say they are conducting forensic examinations of the scene, collecting shell casings, and interviewing dozens of witnesses and employees. Surveillance footage is also being reviewed to reconstruct the timeline of the shooting.

Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the city’s commitment to public safety. “This is a heartbreaking day for our city. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that justice is served and that such an act never happens again in our community,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday.

The FBI and Connecticut State Police have joined the Waterbury Police Department in the investigation, which is expected to span several days. While authorities are withholding many details, including whether multiple shooters were involved, officials confirmed that no weapons have yet been recovered.

Parents and school officials were particularly alarmed by the shooting’s proximity to school dismissal time, as many teenagers were in the mall after classes. In response, several local schools issued safety alerts and increased security on Wednesday.

In the aftermath of the incident, community leaders and advocacy groups are calling for increased security measures at the Brass Mill Center and other public spaces. Some have also renewed calls for stronger gun control laws in Connecticut.

“Another day, another senseless act of violence,” said Carla Jennings, director of the Greater Waterbury Peace Coalition. “We cannot allow our shopping centers, our schools, and our neighborhoods to become war zones. We demand action.”

The mall’s management released a brief statement thanking law enforcement for their swift response and expressing concern for the victims. “The safety and well-being of our guests and employees is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with the investigation and will reopen only when it is safe to do so.”

As investigators work to unravel what led to Tuesday’s violence, residents of Waterbury remain on edge — mourning the injured, anxious for answers, and hoping for healing in a community rattled by a moment of terror.