“We do not believe this was a random act of violence. We believe this started as a conflict, and it escalated,” Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said in a press conference. “We do know that there was one gunman at this time. We’ve identified that gunman was armed with a semiautomatic pistol.”

Waterbury police officers arrived within minutes of the shooting at Brass Mill Center shortly after 4 p.m. Some shoppers had to shelter in place until officers arrived.

One person of interest is in police custody. Spagnolo said he believes there was only one gunman and one person who is suspected to be an accessory to the gunman. Spagnolo credited the shoppers’ quick reaction to shelter in place with preventing “what could have been a really bad incident here.”

Gov. Ned Lamont (D-CT) expressed disappointment that the shooting happened at a mall “where everyone should feel safe.”

“We are grateful to law enforcement, who acted swiftly,” Lamont wrote on X. “Our hearts break for the Waterbury community, the victims, and their families who have been impacted by this incident.”

TWO KILLED AND NINE INJURED IN PHILADELPHIA MASS SHOOTING

The victims were transported to a hospital for treatment.

Waterbury Police are still investigating alongside Connecticut State Police.