Police respond to shots fired at Empire Mall

December 6, 2024

The Empire Mall is responding to an active shooter situation this evening.

The first call came in around 7:30 p.m. reporting two to three shots fired outside Zumiez, which is located in the Macy’s wing across from The Buckle. A few bullet casings were later found.

While the situation was “pretty chaotic,” no victims were found at Empire Mall and as per protocol, we always notify emergency rooms and no victims were reported, Police Chief Jon Thum said.

“As a sign of their training and preparation, the mall immediately initiated measures to lock down its stores and protect its customers.”

Police believe the suspect is a man between the ages of 13 and 17.

“I guarantee there are people in our community right now who were part of the group in the area who know exactly who did this,” Thum said, adding that parents need to ask their children if they are at the mall tonight were if they know any information.

“I would expect some cooperation on this,” he said. “This is an act we cannot tolerate and we need people to come forward with information they know.”

Police have trained for such situations, Thum added, including within the mall itself. Multiple law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to clear the mall and ensure no one is hiding inside, he added.

Sioux Falls Police are asking people to avoid the Empire Mall area at this time. The search will likely take hours, but Thum said police will “make sure things are safe” as shoppers are likely to return this weekend.

“We will ensure our response is appropriate,” he said.

There is no ongoing threat to the public, but rather an isolated case “in which a young person makes a decision with a firearm,” said Thum.

“This appears to be some sort of argument or dispute that originated there,” he said. “I think we’ll find answers sooner than later.”

Cameras are installed throughout the mall, “and we are actively doing that,” he continued. “It wouldn’t surprise me if we were actively seeking information now.”