Howard County, Md. — A community was shaken on Saturday evening after a 17-year-old was fatally shot in a bustling food court at the Columbia Mall in Howard County, Maryland. Authorities emphasized the attack appeared targeted, casting a pall over the popular retail location.
The victim was identified as Angelo Little from Columbia, Maryland. As the investigation unfolded, Howard County police disclosed that despite thorough inquiries, they had yet to pinpoint any suspects by Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred just after 6 p.m., when local law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire in the mall. Upon arrival, officers discovered Little deceased. Initial reports indicated the assailant had fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
A police spokeswoman noted that the tragedy seemed to be isolated, with a single shot fired. “There are no indications that anyone else was in danger,” she reassured, emphasizing the specificity of the incident.
To ensure public safety, police executed a systematic evacuation of the premises, successfully clearing the mall by 9:00 p.m., reflecting a swift response to the traumatic event.
Several mall goers took to social media to describe their harrowing experiences. One patron recounted what it felt like witnessing the incident, describing it as the “scariest moment of my life in the US,” triggered by a loud bang that sent the crowd into a panic. Another expressed a similar sentiment, recalling the speed at which they and a friend fled the scene after hearing what sounded like a loud pop.
Personal accounts continued as another individual reported that their father had been at the mall during the ordeal, narrowly escaping danger. Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, acts of kindness emerged. A shopper testified to the generosity of employees at a Sephora store, who provided snacks and water to those sheltered in the backroom during the lockdown.
This incident marks another tragic event in the history of Columbia Mall, recalling a similarly grim occurrence in January 2014 when three people were killed in a shooting incident involving a man with a shotgun. The shooter claimed the lives of two people before turning the gun on himself.
Located approximately 25 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., the mall is a central hub for the region, attracting substantial foot traffic that makes such incidents particularly alarming.
These recurring violent episodes bring to the forefront concerns about security and safety in public spaces, which are increasingly scrutinized by the community and authorities alike. The local law enforcement continues to investigate Saturday’s shooting, urging anyone with information to come forward as they seek justice for the young victim.