The Vancouver Mall shooting was a “targeted attack” by a person wearing a Halloween mask, police say

The Vancouver Mall shooting on Halloween that left one man dead and two others injured was “a targeted attack” by a person wearing a Halloween mask, police said Friday.

The shooting happened at 7:30 p.m. in the food court while a family-friendly Halloween event was taking place at the mall, sending hundreds of parents and children running to exits or safe places to hide.

As of Friday morning, the gunman was still at large, Vancouver police said, and detectives were working to identify the person.

Police have not yet confirmed the identity and age of the deceased man – or said why he was targeted. The police also do not want to say whether the suspect and the deceased man knew each other.

Police said they believe the two people injured in the shooting — described by police as 30- and 40-year-old men — were not additional targets but were instead in close proximity to the gunfire. Their injuries were not life-threatening and they were treated and released from the hospital, police said.

Witnesses at the mall reported hearing five to 10 gunshots.

Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle issued a statement with members of Vancouver City Council deploring the violence during what should have been a fun evening.

“Instead, it turned to fear as reports of shots being fired spread,” the statement said.

A representative for the mall said it would reopen Friday at 3 p.m.

“We are deeply saddened by this event and stand united with the community as we express our concern for the victims and their families and friends,” said Tracy Peters, the mall’s senior general manager, adding that the mall is “improving safety and security of our customers, retailers and employees very seriously.”

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Vancouver Police Department tip line at 360-487-7399.

—Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221-4323, [email protected] or at X @zaeemshake.