Multiple Victims Reported in Shooting at WestGate Mall in Spartanburg, South Carolina
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — A shocking and chaotic scene unfolded Saturday afternoon at WestGate Mall in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where multiple victims were reported in a mass shooting that has left the local community reeling and law enforcement agencies scrambling to uncover what led to the violence.
According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the shooting occurred inside the mall just after 3:00 p.m., sending shoppers and employees into a panic as the sound of gunfire echoed through the corridors of one of the region’s most heavily trafficked retail centers.
Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that multiple people sustained gunshot wounds in the incident. The exact number of victims and the extent of their injuries have not yet been officially released, but several ambulances were seen leaving the scene with lights flashing. Witnesses described a terrifying rush to safety, with some hiding inside stores and others fleeing through emergency exits.
“I heard five or six loud pops, and everyone just started running,” said one eyewitness who had been shopping near the food court. “It was pure chaos. People were screaming, crying, dropping bags — I’ve never been so scared in my life.”
Authorities have secured the mall, and it has been evacuated while investigators continue to clear and search the area. SWAT teams and officers from multiple agencies, including the Spartanburg Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and federal agencies, are assisting in the response.
As of now, no suspects have been officially named, and it remains unclear whether the shooter has been apprehended. Officials have not indicated whether this was a targeted attack or a random act of violence. The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office stated during a brief media update that they are following “multiple leads” and reviewing surveillance footage from inside the mall to identify all individuals involved.
A staging area has been established nearby for families seeking information about loved ones. Mental health counselors are also being made available for those traumatized by the event.
Local hospitals, including Spartanburg Medical Center, have been placed on alert to receive trauma patients. Hospital officials have not yet disclosed how many victims have been admitted or their conditions.
Governor Henry McMaster has been briefed on the situation and released a short statement offering prayers for the victims and expressing gratitude to first responders. “Our hearts are with the Spartanburg community. We are monitoring the situation closely and will ensure that every necessary state resource is available,” the statement read.
WestGate Mall, which houses a variety of major retailers and restaurants, has long been a shopping destination for families across Spartanburg County and surrounding areas. Saturday afternoons are typically among the busiest times of the week for the mall, raising fears that the casualty count could grow.
As of Saturday evening, investigators have not provided a timeline for when the mall may reopen or when the next public briefing will take place. Law enforcement is urging the public to stay away from the area and to contact authorities with any relevant information, photos, or video footage.
Anyone with tips related to the shooting is asked to contact the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. The Spartanburg community — now the latest to experience a mass shooting in a public space — begins the painful process of seeking answers, justice, and healing.