Panic at Avenues Mall on Valentine’s Day After Reports of Possible Active Shooter
Shoppers and employees rushed for exits at the Avenues Mall in Jacksonville on Saturday, Feb. 14, after a disturbance inside the mall sparked fears of an active shooter. Authorities responded and secured the scene; officials say there are no confirmed reports of shots fired or gunshot-related injuries.
What happened inside the mall
West-facing entrances filled with people as shoppers fled the interior of the mall following an incident that began as a physical confrontation among a group of teenagers. The abrupt escalation triggered widespread alarm when some bystanders believed they heard gunfire, prompting large numbers of people to run toward exits and gather in adjacent parking areas.
Police response and investigation
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office dispatched officers to the mall after receiving reports of a disturbance. Units were on scene rapidly as law enforcement worked to determine whether shots had been fired and to secure the premises. Investigators examined surveillance footage and conducted interviews with witnesses. At the time authorities cleared the immediate safety threat, they had not identified any confirmed gunshot victims.
Witness accounts and crowd reaction
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as crowds pushed toward the exits. Video shared by shoppers showed people running in groups and huddling in nearby cars and parking lots. Some people sustained minor injuries while exiting the building amid the rush, though those injuries were not linked to gunfire, law enforcement on scene.
Impact on businesses and shoppers
Several retailers inside the mall closed early for the day as a precaution while officers were investigating. Mall staff assisted visitors in evacuating and directed people to safe areas outside the complex. Many who fled recounted a swift and chaotic evacuation that left personal belongings behind and disrupted Valentine’s Day plans for families and couples visiting the center.
Safety measures and next steps
Authorities continue to review video footage and piece together the sequence of events that led to the panic. Officials say the initial disturbance appears to have involved a fight among teenagers; it is possible that the sounds and reactions that followed were misinterpreted as gunfire. Law enforcement emphasized that keeping the public informed and verifying facts remain priorities while the investigation moves forward.
As the scene returned to normal, mall management and police officials urged anyone with additional information or footage of the incident to make themselves available to investigators. The episode underscores ongoing concerns about crowd safety and the speed at which fear can spread in a busy public setting.
