At approximately 3:40 p.m. local time this Saturday, a deadly attack occurred at a shopping mall in Ocala, Florida, resulting in the death of at least one man and leaving a woman with injuries. Law enforcement and emergency responders rushed to Paddock Mall after multiple 911 calls described gunfire and a potential active shooter situation. The rapid mobilization underscores the gravity of the incident and the coordinated response that followed as officers secured the area and assisted victims.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken provided details during a press briefing that was later summarized by CNN. He confirmed that officers were dispatched after receiving several calls reporting shots fired inside the mall. The initial description of an active shooter prompted a strong police presence at the scene. Soon afterward, however, authorities conveyed that the situation was not what it initially appeared to be and that the incident involved planned violence rather than an ongoing attack. In an official update on social media, police stated that the mall was evacuated and that there was no continuing threat to the public after the scene was secured.
The investigation quickly clarified that the incident involved a deliberate act of violence rather than an unplanned emergency. The department then identified a male victim who was found deceased inside the mall. A female victim with a gunshot wound to the leg was transported to a local hospital and was reported to be expected to recover. The public safety message centered on providing accurate information while ensuring ongoing safety measures as the investigation progressed.
Officials noted that investigators are actively pursuing leads to locate the suspect. A description circulated to the public identified a black male wearer of a black hoodie, black pants, and a black mask covering his face, though authorities cautioned that descriptions could evolve as new evidence emerged.
Residents and visitors were urged to avoid the area while police conducted their work and collected evidence. The Ocala Police Department subsequently posted an update on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, reporting that a second, more thorough review of the mall area had been completed as part of the ongoing inquiry. This secondary sweep was described as a precautionary step to ensure there were no lingering hazards and to support the path toward a clearer understanding of what happened.