• A gunman shot and injured a security guard and Target employee during a confrontation over shoplifting at FIGat7th in downtown Los Angeles.
• The suspect, described as a man between 20-25 years old, remains at large; LAPD urges anyone with information to come forward.
• This incident follows a history of violence at the mall, including a stabbing inside the same Target store in November 2022.

Police are searching for a gunman who shot and injured two people Monday night near a Target store in the FIGat7th shopping mall in downtown Los Angeles. The incident occurred when the armed security guard and a store employee attempted to stop a shoplifter, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

The Shooting Incident

Officers responded to reports of gunfire at around 9 p.m. in the 700 block of S. Figueroa Street. Upon arrival, they found two victims with gunshot wounds. The victims included a 33-year-old armed security guard employed by the mall and a 45-year-old Target loss-prevention employee.

The confrontation began when a man, captured on security footage, walked out of the Target store with stolen merchandise packed in a suitcase. When the security guard and employee confronted him, the man pulled out a handgun and opened fire, authorities said. Shoppers scattered, seeking safety as chaos erupted.

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In response, the injured security guard fired back at the gunman. Police have not confirmed whether the suspect was hit during the exchange of gunfire. Meanwhile, the Target employee suffered critical injuries and remains hospitalized, while the security guard was treated and later released.

pic.twitter.com/NwUUdNY1OT

— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) December 31, 2024

Eyewitness Accounts

Witnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene. Lucas Williams, who was in the area, recounted hearing gunshots as he exited a nearby business. "At first, you think it’s fireworks. But then there’s six more shots quickly," Williams said. He ran for safety, recalling seeing a family grabbing a young girl and fleeing the mall.

Gunfire struck several walls of the shopping center, adding to the panic as shoppers scrambled to avoid injury. The LAPD has urged witnesses to come forward with any additional information.

Suspect Description

On Tuesday morning, the LAPD issued a community alert with details about the gunman. He is described as a 5-foot-8 man, weighing approximately 160 pounds and appearing to be between 20 and 25 years old. At the time of the shooting, he was wearing a black jacket, purple scarf, and gray pants. Police warn that the suspect is armed and dangerous.

Authorities have released a photo of the suspect and are encouraging anyone with information to contact investigators at 213-833-3750. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

Previous Incidents at the Mall

This incident is not the first act of violence at the FIGat7th shopping mall. On Nov. 15, 2022, a 40-year-old homeless man stabbed a 9-year-old boy and a 24-year-old woman inside the same Target store. A security guard employed by the retailer intervened, shooting and killing the attacker. Both victims survived the stabbing but required medical treatment.

Ongoing Investigation

As police continue their search for the gunman, the investigation remains active. Officials are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The incident has renewed concerns about safety in public spaces, particularly in high-traffic shopping centers.

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The LAPD stresses the importance of public cooperation in solving these cases. Shoppers and residents are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local authorities.

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