Haywood Mall Incident: Active Shooter Situation Claims 3 Lives, 5 Injured, Suspect Identified as Dane James
A tragic and horrific event unfolded at Haywood Mall in Greenville, South Carolina, on the afternoon of May 9, 2025, when an active shooter situation led to the deaths of three individuals and left five others injured. The shooting sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a massive law enforcement response and triggering widespread panic as shoppers and workers sought shelter in stores throughout the busy mall. The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Dane James, whose motives remain unclear as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
The event has devastated the local community, leaving residents in grief and disbelief as they process the loss of life and the trauma caused by such a senseless act of violence. As the investigation unfolds, more details about the shooter, the victims, and the events that transpired are slowly coming to light, offering some clarity to a situation that has left many with more questions than answers.
The Incident Unfolds
Around 2:30 PM on May 9, 2025, Haywood Mall was bustling with shoppers and employees during a busy afternoon. Located in the heart of Greenville, the mall is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, with a variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. It was a typical afternoon of commerce, with families and individuals enjoying their time when the unthinkable happened.
According to witnesses, the shooter, later identified as Dane James, entered the mall with a firearm and began opening fire indiscriminately. Panic ensued as shoppers and store employees scrambled to escape, seeking safety in stores, bathrooms, and storage areas. Several eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people shouting, running, and ducking for cover.
“I heard what I thought was a loud noise, like something fell. Then I heard a scream, and I saw people running. At first, I didn’t realize what was happening. But when I saw people being dragged out of the way and others running towards the exits, I realized something was terribly wrong,” said Samantha Taylor, a shopper who was at the mall during the shooting.
Victims and Casualties
As the shooting continued, three individuals tragically lost their lives. According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, the victims, two men and one woman, were pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds. Their identities have not yet been publicly released, pending notification of their families. The victims’ families are now left to process the unimaginable loss of their loved ones in such a senseless and violent manner.
Five others were injured in the attack, some critically. They were quickly transported to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving treatment for gunshot wounds and other trauma. Authorities have not yet released detailed information about their current conditions, but local officials have confirmed that medical staff are doing everything possible to care for those affected.
One of the injured, a woman in her late 30s, is reportedly in critical condition but stable after undergoing surgery. Others sustained injuries that range from moderate to non-life-threatening. “We are doing everything in our power to assist the victims and their families,” said Dr. Michael Harris, the director of trauma services at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Law Enforcement Response
The Greenville Police Department, along with other local law enforcement agencies, responded swiftly to the active shooter situation. Within minutes, the mall was placed on lockdown, and officers swarmed the area. The police, SWAT teams, and emergency medical personnel worked in tandem to ensure the safety of shoppers and to contain the situation.
“Officers immediately engaged in securing the building and evacuating people from the mall. We worked to clear each store, room by room, to ensure there were no further threats,” said Chief Valerie Adams of the Greenville Police Department. “It’s a tragic situation, but I’m proud of the response from our officers and emergency services. We did everything we could to save lives.”
As the search for the suspect continued, authorities closed off the mall and surrounding areas, advising the public to avoid the scene. The mall was eventually cleared, but the aftermath of the attack left the community in shock.
Suspect Identified: Dane James
By the evening of May 9, 2025, law enforcement officials confirmed the identity of the suspect as 29-year-old Dane James, a local man with no known history of violent crime. James was apprehended by authorities shortly after the incident and is currently in police custody. He faces multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, and multiple other charges related to the shooting.
Authorities are still working to determine a motive for the shooting, and investigators are exploring James’ background, including his personal life and any possible connections to the victims. Early reports indicate that James may have had some recent personal struggles, but there has been no official statement linking these issues to the shooting.
“It’s still early in the investigation, and we are working hard to understand why this happened,” said Lieutenant Robert Garcia of the Greenville Police Department. “We are looking into all aspects of the suspect’s life to see if there was any clear motive behind this horrific act.”
James is expected to face a court hearing in the coming days, where further details about the charges and the investigation are likely to be revealed.
Community and National Response
The attack at Haywood Mall has sent ripples of shock and grief throughout the local community and beyond. Haywood Mall, once a place of recreation and commerce, is now the scene of a devastating tragedy that will leave a lasting scar on the residents of Greenville.
Local faith leaders, counselors, and community organizers have come together to offer support to those affected. A vigil was held at a local church on the evening of May 9, where community members gathered to pray for the victims, their families, and the injured. “This is a heartbreaking event, and our hearts are with everyone involved,” said Pastor Thomas Wilkins, who led the vigil. “We must come together as a community to support one another during this incredibly difficult time.”
Grief counselors have been made available to mall employees, shoppers, and others who witnessed the incident or were impacted by it. Local mental health professionals have noted that the trauma from such a violent event can be long-lasting, and providing support for those affected is crucial.
“We’re all in shock. It’s hard to process what happened. We come here for normal shopping, and then something like this happens,” said Amanda Williams, a local resident. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and to all those who were injured. I can’t imagine the pain they’re going through.”
National news outlets quickly picked up the story, and the Haywood Mall shooting has sparked widespread discussions about gun violence, mental health, and public safety. Politicians and community leaders have expressed their condolences to the families affected by the tragedy while urging for better solutions to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
As of now, the investigation into the shooting is still ongoing. Authorities are working to gather further evidence, review security footage, and speak with witnesses who were present at the scene. The mall is expected to remain closed for several days as the investigation continues and as police collect all necessary evidence.
In the wake of this tragedy, many are questioning how such an incident could happen in a public place like Haywood Mall, a popular shopping center in the heart of the community. Local leaders are already calling for discussions on improving safety measures at public venues, including enhanced security protocols, improved surveillance, and better access to mental health services.
“We cannot allow incidents like this to become the new normal,” said Greenville Mayor Patricia Jones. “We will work with law enforcement, community leaders, and national organizations to find solutions that can help prevent such tragedies from happening again. But right now, we must focus on supporting those who are suffering.”
Remembering the Victims
As investigators work to piece together the events surrounding the Haywood Mall shooting, the focus remains on the victims and their families. Three lives were tragically lost, and five others will carry the scars of this traumatic event for the rest of their lives. Their stories, and the memories they leave behind, will be forever etched in the hearts of those who knew them.
While the investigation into Dane James continues, the community is coming together to support the victims, their families, and each other during this unimaginable time of grief and loss.