A violent eruption of gunfire inside a bustling Connecticut shopping center left five individuals wounded late Tuesday afternoon, sending panic through shoppers who scrambled for cover.

As reported by the New York Post, authorities say the shooting stemmed from a confrontation that turned violent inside the Brass Mill Center in Waterbury, with a suspect later taken into custody and investigators confirming the event was not random.

The incident unfolded just before 4:40 p.m. at the 1.1-million-square-foot Brass Mill Center, a popular shopping destination in the city of Waterbury. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots as chaos swept through the corridors of the complex.

According to Waterbury Police, the altercation that led to the gunfire began as an argument between individuals in the mall. That dispute quickly escalated into a dangerous scene as one man, believed to be in his 20s, pulled a semi-automatic pistol and fired multiple rounds.

Five people were struck by the gunfire and transported to area hospitals. Authorities have not released detailed information on the victims’ conditions, but it was confirmed that no one had died as of late Tuesday night.

Shoppers describe moments of horror

As shots rang out, panicked shoppers ducked for cover and fled to the nearest stores to hide. Many sheltered in place, waiting for the chaos to subside while authorities secured the scene. A disturbing video later circulated online, capturing a man believed to be one of the victims screaming, “I can’t move! I can’t move! Somebody help me!” from just outside a storefront.

Emergency responders arrived swiftly, securing the mall and providing first aid to victims while escorting civilians to safety. The rapid response likely prevented further harm, officials said during a press briefing late Tuesday evening.

State and federal authorities, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are now assisting Waterbury Police in the open investigation. Officials stressed that the shooting does not appear to be the result of a random attack, but rather a targeted incident involving individuals known to one another.

Suspect detained hours after shooting

Police launched an immediate manhunt for the shooter following the attack, describing the suspect as a male in his 20s. After several hours of investigation and surveillance footage review, a person of interest was apprehended late Tuesday night. The identity of the individual has not yet been released, pending official charges.

Governor Ned Lamont addressed the public shortly after the incident, calling it a “tragic mass shooting” in a place where “everyone should feel safe.” He expressed support for the victims and their families, adding, “Our hearts break for the Waterbury community.”

Officials reiterated during their statements that the incident posed no further threat to the public and that all known suspects were accounted for. However, they urged members of the community to assist law enforcement with any information or footage that could contribute to the ongoing investigation.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings. Shoppers at the Brass Mill Center had only moments to react. Recognizing early warning signs, like raised voices or mounting tension, can help you move to safety before violence erupts.

2. Know where to shelter and identify exits when in public spaces. In emergencies, knowing how to quickly find cover or exit a building can be the difference between safety and harm. Many Brass Mill patrons found refuge in store backrooms or behind counters.

3. Support and report, but remember: victims are never to blame. Communities play a key role in supporting law enforcement by sharing information. But no matter the circumstance, no victim ever deserves harm, and crime can sadly strike even the most vigilant among us.

Why This Story Matters

This shooting highlights the persistent threat of gun violence, even in spaces considered safe and familiar, such as shopping centers. It raises serious concerns about firearm access, conflict escalation, and public safety preparedness. As communities reel from such events, there's a renewed urgency to address the conditions that allow these violent incidents to occur.

Conclusion

Tuesday afternoon’s violence at the Brass Mill Center in Waterbury began with a heated dispute that turned into a public tragedy, leaving five injured and a community shaken. A young man armed with a semi-automatic firearm opened fire shortly before 4:40 p.m., prompting frightened shoppers to shelter in place as chaos unfolded inside the large retail complex. Authorities responded quickly and later took a man into custody, believed to be involved in the shooting.

The incident was not random, and the motive is still under investigation. With the help of both state and federal partners, Waterbury officials continue to gather evidence and offer support to victims and their families. Governor Lamont and local leaders have pledged to help the community heal after another unsettling reminder of how quickly everyday places can become the scene of violence.