Two Dead as Gunman Opens Fire in Florida Mall Food Court
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shiyali/iStock/Thinkstock(MELBOURNE, Fla.) — Two people were killed in a possible domestic violence shooting at a shopping mall southeast of Orlando Saturday morning, authorities confirm.
A gunman opened fire near the food court area of the Melbourne Square Mall in Melbourne, Florida, around 9:30 a.m., according to Melbourne Police.
Two people are dead including the alleged shooter, identified as Jose Garcia Rodriguez, 57, of Palm Bay, police said in a press conference today. Rodriguez’s gunshot wound may have been self-inflicted, according to police.
One person was injured, police said, identified as the alleged shooter’s wife, Ida Garcia, 33. She was hospitalized and listed in good condition.
The shooting may have stemmed from a domestic violence incident, according to police.
Just before 10:30 a.m., the Melbourne Police Department tweeted that officers were “currently working a shooting” at the Melbourne Square Mall.
Officers currently working a shooting @ Melbourne Sq Mall; Ofcs have control of situation; mall temp closed; information wen available.
— Melbourne Police (@MelbournePolice) January 17, 2015
Ten minutes later, the police department tweeted that the “shooter is contained.”
Shooter is contained; Ofcs are clearing the mall store by store
— Melbourne Police (@MelbournePolice) January 17, 2015
Multiple shots were fired and the shooter had several pockets full of ammunition, police said. Three handguns were recovered at the scene.
The police added that the mall was temporarily closed and officers cleared the complex store by store.
Daniel Timothy, a manager at a restaurant next to the mall, says it’s a “great relief” police have contained the shooter.
“We were on edge,” Timothy said. “It’s a great relief and you know now we can open for business.”
Police did not report a possible motive. The investigation is ongoing.
Police say the mall plans to reopen Sunday.
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