One man was killed and two others injured after they were shot at a restaurant at a North Carolina shopping mall.
The incident took place at Coquette, a French restaurant in a North Hills mall, located in an affluent area of Raleigh on Friday. While the call was initially for an ‘active shooter,’ police later confirmed it was not a traditional ‘active shooter’ situation.
A male suspect allegedly entered the restaurant and shot another individual shortly before noon Friday. That victim is deceased, police say. Another male victim, whom police believe to be a bystander, sustained gunshot wounds but has non-life-threatening injuries.
It remains unclear whether the men knew each other, Raleigh Police Department Estella D. Patterson said at a news conference. However, “this is not a random incident,” she said. “This appears to be a dispute between parties.” It is possible the individuals were known to each other, she said.
Police did not release the identities of the individuals involved.
Numerous officers were spotted near the mall after the shooting was reported. Officials are asking shoppers to avoid the area as nearby roads remain closed. Residents are being asked to seek alternative routes.
Officers have swept the area and determined there is no active threat to the community. Nearby schools were put on a lockdown earlier in the day but the provision has now been lifted.
Police are not currently looking for additional victims or suspects, and the investigation is ongoing.
Gretchen Coley, who works in an office building that overlooks the restaurant, told WRAL her staff saw people run from the area. There appeared to be blood and injuries at the scene, she said, explaining that her family lives nearby.
“We probably have 15 people in the office, we have children down the street. To have something like this happening right outside our office is heartbreaking,” Coley told the outlet.
A sales associate at Bonobos, a men’s clothing brand, told WNCN employees were “sitting outside like we normally do and we saw police outside, so we locked the door. We haven’t been able to reach anybody for when we can leave.”
In an X post, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said: “I have talked with Chief Patterson and offered whatever assistance she may need from the state. For the time being, please stay away from the area and stay tuned to local law enforcement for more information.”
