North Charleston Mall Shooting Stemmed from Old High School Fight, Police Say
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Police say a shooting at Northwoods Mall on Saturday night stemmed from a long-standing personal feud — one that dates back to a high school altercation more than two years ago.
According to the North Charleston Police Department, investigators determined that the incident was “likely from someone who spotted someone else they had a fight with in high school … two years ago.”
The confrontation escalated when one of the individuals allegedly opened fire near the food court area of the mall. Shoppers reported chaos and panic as officers rushed into the scene and began evacuating the area.
Police Respond Within Minutes
Officers arrived within minutes after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire inside the shopping center. Authorities quickly secured the mall and searched for suspects, while medics checked on patrons for any injuries.
No fatalities were reported, and police confirmed that the shooting appeared to be targeted rather than random.
One witness who was shopping nearby described hearing “two loud pops” before seeing people run for cover inside the mall. “Everyone just started ducking and sprinting toward the exits,” they said.
Decades-Old Grudge Turns Violent
Investigators now believe the shooting was triggered by a chance encounter between two men who had unresolved animosity from a high school fight years earlier.
“This was not a random act,” an officer at the scene told local reporters. “It’s unfortunate that something as petty as an old argument can lead to this kind of violence.”
Police are still reviewing surveillance footage from mall cameras and working to identify additional witnesses who may have seen the exchange before shots were fired.
Community Reacts to Mall Violence
The Northwoods Mall, located along Rivers Avenue in North Charleston, is a busy retail hub for families and holiday shoppers. Saturday night’s incident left many shaken, especially as the holiday season approaches.
“It’s sad and frustrating that people are bringing personal beefs into public spaces,” said one resident who frequents the mall. “That could have been anyone’s child or family member caught in the crossfire.”
The mall reopened Sunday morning under increased police patrol. Officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the North Charleston Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Police Message: Violence Isn’t the Answer
North Charleston authorities reiterated their commitment to community safety and condemned the unnecessary escalation of old disputes.
“Everyone deserves to shop and spend time with family without fearing for their safety,” the department said in a statement. “We ask the public to handle disagreements through conversation — not confrontation.”
For continued updates on this case and other safety alerts in South Carolina, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
