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Viral video shows SHOCKING MOMENT gunman opened fire at Mall of America leaving 1 dead ahead of Christmas

Several videos posted on social media captured the moment when the gunman opened fire at a Nordstrom outlet in Bloomington, Minnesota

BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA: Several videos posted on social media captured the moment when a gunman opened fire at a Nordstrom outlet in Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, on Friday, December 23, that left a 19-year-old dead. One video that was posted on Twitter captured the exact moment when the shot was fired. The shooting reportedly lasted about 30 seconds.

Social media videos depict customers hiding in stores and fleeing as a mall announcer urges people to seek safety. In some videos, shoppers can be seen rushing for cover after hearing a loud bang. In another video footage, two groups of young people can be seen fighting in the mall security footage before one individual pulls a gun and starts shooting. 

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According to NBC News, in a formal statement, Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges stated that in addition to the 19-year-old victim who passed away, another Mall of America customer was hurt when a bullet brushed their clothing. The deceased identity has not been revealed. Hodges pointed out that the probe into the shooting is still in its early stages. He said, “We are going to catch you, we are going to lock you up and you are going to get an orange jumpsuit. It’s just a matter of when it’s going to happen.”

Hodges also mentioned that anyone who knowingly assisted the suspects in any way might be charged with a crime. “If anybody helps these people — I mean so much as buy them a Happy Meal, give them a ride. We’re going to lock you up with them,” he remarked. Hodges also addressed the victim's family, saying, "This is a tragedy and I’m really trying to contain how I really feel about this, but we’re going to catch these people, believe that. The family here — I really feel bad for them. Their last week before Christmas and now they’re having to bury one of their loved ones.”

Hodges stated that although the mall is anticipated to reopen on Saturday, December 24, the Nordstrom shop will remain closed until further notice. Hodges stated that the mall is always assessing its security protocols, including the potential use of metal detectors. “If we have an incident where someone decides they want to pull out a gun and shoot somebody with a complete lack of respect for human life, then I still don't know what we can do to stop that,” he remarked.