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Police investigating after firearm discharged at Arundel Mills Mall

No one was shot, but two people suffered minor injuries in an effort to leave the mall in a panic, police said.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — An investigation is underway after a man accidentally discharged a firearm at Arundel Mills Mall Saturday afternoon, according to police.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department responded to the mall, located on Arundel Mills Circle, in Hanover around 3:30 p.m. after a report of shots fired. When officers arrived they found people fleeing the mall in a panic.

Officers and mall security worked to evacuate and lock down the mall.

Through an initial investigation and review of video footage it was determined that one person accidentally discharged a firearm in the food court. Officers say it was clear from the video that there was no criminal intent in the discharge. The gun was also never pointed at anyone.

The police department is working to identify the man suspected of accidentally discharging the firearm and locate him for questioning.

No one was shot, but two people suffered minor injuries in an effort to leave the mall in a panic, police said. At least one of the injuries was to a person's wrist likely due to a fall.

"Today, we saw what happens when more guns are present in our communities. Families enjoying a meal in the food court at Arundel Mills experienced the terror of not knowing whether they would be the latest victims of a mass shooting," Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said in a statement Saturday. "People fled, people were hurt, all because a firearm went off in a crowded public space. My heart goes out to everyone present for this incident - nobody should have to go through what you did today."

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