A major police presence descended upon the Holyoke Mall on Friday afternoon following reports of an active shooting situation that sent shoppers and employees scrambling for cover. Law enforcement agencies from across Hampden County, including local police, Massachusetts State Police, and emergency medical services, responded swiftly to the scene at 50 Holyoke Street.
The incident was first reported shortly after 1:30 p.m. when 911 calls began pouring in about gunfire inside the busy shopping center. Within minutes, the Holyoke Police Department confirmed that officers had been dispatched and were actively working to assess the situation and evacuate the premises.
“Officers are on the scene at Holyoke Mall for a reported shooting,” said Holyoke Police in a brief public statement. “We are in the process of evacuating the mall and advising the public to avoid the area until further notice.”
As of Friday evening, no official word has been released regarding the number of victims or suspects involved. Unconfirmed reports suggest that at least one individual may have been critically injured or killed, though authorities have not publicly verified those claims. Witnesses described chaos inside the mall, with people fleeing stores and ducking for cover as law enforcement entered with weapons drawn.
“We were just shopping when we heard what sounded like gunshots, then people started running,” said one shopper, who was evacuated from the building. “It was terrifying. We didn’t know what was going on, only that we had to get out.”
The mall was quickly placed on lockdown, and all entrances were sealed off as tactical units conducted a methodical sweep of the complex. Emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks, lined the parking lot, and helicopters hovered above as the situation unfolded.
Nearby businesses and schools were also temporarily advised to shelter in place as a precaution, and traffic was rerouted away from the surrounding area.
As investigators work to piece together what happened, Holyoke officials have urged the public to remain patient and avoid speculation. “This is an active investigation, and we are focused on ensuring the safety of everyone at the scene,” said Police Chief David Pratt. “We ask that people stay away from the area to allow first responders to do their jobs.”
At this time, it is not clear what led to the shooting or how many people may have been involved. Law enforcement sources say the situation is fluid and that further updates will be provided during a press conference later today.
The Holyoke Mall, one of the largest retail centers in Western Massachusetts, remains closed for the time being. Mall management has said they are cooperating fully with authorities and will share updates as they become available.
This is a developing story. Further details will be released as they are confirmed.
