EAST RUTHERFORD – The New Jersey State Police put the American Dream Mall on lockdown Thursday night after gunshots erupted. Shoppers ran for safety and police locked down the facility at around 6 pm.
Initially reported as an active shooter, the New Jersey State Police said it was not.
“The shooting incident at the American Dream has been determined to not be an active shooter. The mall is secure & troopers are in the process of safely removing patrons,” the NJSP said in a statement. “Anyone looking to meet up with family members is asked to go to lot 26. The American Dream will remain closed.”
Witnesses reported at least two gunshots.
The mall, which took nearly 20 years to build, is now home to 450 retail shops, 100 restaurants and eateries, an indoor ice rink, Nickelodeon Universe, LegoLand, Dreamworks Water Park, and Big Snow, an indoor ski slope.
No further details about the shooting have been reported by the police.