A violent incident shook the tranquility of the Brass Mill Center mall in Waterbury, Connecticut, on Tuesday afternoon, May 27, 2025.
A gunman opened fire inside the establishment, injuring five people and prompting a rapid evacuation and a large-scale police operation. At the time of this publication, the suspect remains at large, keeping local authorities on alert.
What exactly happened?
According to statements gathered by CNN from Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo, officers responded to the emergency call around 4:40 p.m. local time following reports of an altercation inside the mall.
Upon arrival, they found several people with gunshot wounds and a chaotic scene that led to the evacuation of the compound as a precautionary measure.
The five victims, whose identities have not been made public, were immediately transferred to nearby hospitals.
Although the health conditions of each have not been publicly detailed, it was confirmed that all are receiving medical attention.
Police have reported no deaths so far.
Who is the suspect?
Preliminary investigations point to a man in his 20s as the alleged perpetrator.
It is believed that he used a semi-automatic pistol and knew the victims personally.
According to Spagnolo, the attack was not a random act of violence, but the result of a dispute that escalated quickly.
“This was not an attack directed at the general public,” the police chief explained at a press conference in front of the Brass Mill Center.
“There is no active threat at this time, but we are doing everything we can to locate the suspect.”
Response from the authorities
The Connecticut State Police have joined the investigation, providing technical and logistical support.
The governor of the state, Ned Lamont, expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families through an official statement.
Our hearts go out to the Waterbury community. We are committed to ensuring that the perpetrator is caught and brought to justice
Ned Lamont
Authorities also thanked the mall staff and customers who quickly took shelter when the shooting began, following safety protocols that helped prevent a major tragedy.
“I think they mitigated a lot of what could have been a really serious incident,” Spagnolo said.
“These acts unfortunately reflect the violence that persists in our society, but we must not normalize them or allow them to paralyze us.”
The Brass Mill Center is a popular shopping center located off Interstate 84 in Waterbury, a city of more than 110,000 people, located about 30 miles southwest of Hartford, Connecticut’s state capital.
This place is frequented by both local residents and visitors from nearby areas, including many members of the Latino community.
Tips for the Hispanic community
If you live in the U.S., it’s important to be prepared for emergency situations like this. Here are some practical tips:
Locate the emergency exits whenever you enter a shopping mall or enclosed public space.
Pay attention to your surroundings and do not ignore suspicious discussions or behavior.
Always follow the safety instructions of staff and authorities in the event of a shooting.
If you can, participate in local community preparedness workshops offered by local authorities or churches.
Report any useful information to the police if you were near the scene or saw anything relevant. Your testimony can make a difference.
This incident is a painful reminder that no one is completely safe from gun violence, but it also demonstrates the importance of being prepared, united and vigilant in protecting each other.
The investigation continues and it is expected that the perpetrator will be arrested soon.
For more news, visit QuéOnnda.com.
