WARWICK, R.I. — Warwick Mall was placed on lockdown on Tuesday after authorities received reports of a person allegedly carrying a firearm inside the shopping center, prompting an immediate and significant response from local law enforcement. The incident sparked fear and confusion among shoppers and employees as police moved quickly to secure the area.
According to officials, Warwick Police were alerted to a potential threat and ordered a precautionary lockdown while officers conducted a thorough sweep of the mall. Shoppers and mall employees were instructed to remain inside stores or move to secure areas as police worked to assess the situation.
Eyewitnesses described a tense and unsettling atmosphere as announcements echoed through the mall and officers were seen moving swiftly through hallways and common areas. Many patrons said they were unsure what was happening at first, relying on word-of-mouth, text messages, and social media updates as the situation unfolded.
A spokesperson for the Warwick Police Department confirmed that, at the time of the initial response, there were no confirmed reports of shots fired. The lockdown, officials said, was implemented out of an abundance of caution.
“We take every report involving a possible weapon very seriously,” the spokesperson said. “Our primary objective was to ensure the safety of the public while officers investigated the report and secured the building.”
Mall management cooperated closely with police, temporarily suspending operations and using the public address system to relay instructions. Social media posts from inside the mall reflected widespread anxiety, with users sharing real-time updates and urging loved ones to avoid the area until the situation was resolved.
As of the latest update, no injuries have been reported. Authorities have not confirmed whether a suspect was located or detained, and no identifying information has been released. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine the credibility and source of the initial report.
The incident once again highlights ongoing concerns about safety in large public spaces and the need for rapid response protocols. Law enforcement officials emphasized that lockdown procedures are designed to protect lives and allow officers to investigate potential threats thoroughly.
Police are urging the public to remain calm, follow instructions during emergency situations, and report any suspicious activity to authorities. Residents are encouraged to rely on official Warwick Police Department channels for verified updates as more information becomes available.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation continues.