Teen opens fire at Maryland mall, injuring 13-year-old; shooter detained by security guard
A 17-year-old fired four shots at Westfield Wheaton mall in Maryland, wounding a 13-year-old boy, and was stopped by an armed security guard.
Video posted to TikTok captured a 17-year-old teenager drawing a handgun and firing four shots at a cluster of peers on the concourse of Westfield Wheaton mall in Maryland at about 6 p.m. Friday, hitting a 13-year-old boy in the leg. The sudden gunfire caused shoppers to scream and run, with the echo of shots bouncing off marble floors and glass doors. As the suspect attempted to leave, an armed security guard stationed at the mall’s Dick’s Sporting Goods intervened, preventing his escape.
Police retrieved the firearm and arrested the teenager, who remains in custody pending charges. The wounded boy was transported to a regional hospital where his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening. Mall employees described hearing the shots and seeing police arrive minutes later.
Why it matters
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence in public venues and the role of security personnel.
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