Suspect arraigned on multiple charges Saturday morning
– Saturday, 11 a.m.
A 21-year-old has been arrested following the shooting, which resulted in the early closure of Destiny USA in Syracuse.
Kyree J. Truax, 21, was arraigned in Syracuse City Court and charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Truax is currently being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center.
Police say the victim was taken to Upstate University Hospital and is expected to survive. He suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.
Destiny USA spiraled into a state of chaos immediately after the shooting – as information spread throughout the packed shopping center.
Some shoppers were told to drop their items and run, while others were told to stay in place. Eventually all shoppers got out and no other injuries were reported.
Police emphasized that there was no additional risk to the public. Even though the shooter had not bee apprehended while shoppers exited the mall.
Destiny USA opened under normal conditions on Saturday.
Pyramid Management Group released the following statement after the shooting:
“This evening’s unfortunate and isolated incident at Destiny USA was between two known acquaintances and not a random act or part of any intentional threat against the property. The altercation resulted in the discharge of a firearm inside our facility and injury to one of the two individuals. Law enforcement officials and Destiny USA personnel were already onsite at the time of the incident inside the facility, and along with our tenants, immediately engaged in a comprehensive, routinely practiced and programmed response to address the incident. As such, Destiny USA immediately went into lockdown. At this time, no arrest has been made, but law enforcement officials are confident the suspect has vacated the property. As such, the facility is no longer in lockdown, and all guests and tenants will be allowed to vacate the property. Destiny USA will be closing for the evening and reopening in the morning while we work closely with law enforcement officials in the full investigation of this incident.”
Video published by CNYCentral showed what appeared to be a person being treated at the scene of the shooting. It occurred near the food court area.
From the scene on Social
Crime scene tape going up around the food court area. Mall staff just announced Destiny USA would be closing for the rest of the night. pic.twitter.com/7mguzUYJWE
— Tommy CNY (@TommySladek) November 30, 2019
As police continue their investigation of the shooting at @destinyusa, Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner says those who have loved ones at the mall should not worry. "Everything is safe now." pic.twitter.com/HpN3uZV2Kx
— Spectrum News 1 CNY/S.Tier (@SPECNews1CNY) November 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/Screablue/status/1200589246555402240?s=20
After starting my work day at 6am, the last thing I expected was for it to end at 8pm with a shooting at Destiny USA. Mall Security did a poor job keeping the stores informed with what was going on, meanwhile people were running in panicked.
— Andrew (@totally_terror) November 30, 2019
I was literally folding clothes at Old Navy and there was a shooting at Destiny USA. The shooter has not been caught. We’re being evacuated. It’s awful that this is like a normal thing.
— Kiley Batchelor (@kileybatchelor) November 30, 2019
I will say World of Beers staff were calm and collected. Moved people inside and closed the gates. No panic and kept us informed.
— Tim Warren (@Fireman216xTim) November 30, 2019
.@destinyusa is now closed for the rest of the evening. Police say a fight led to the shooting which happened near the food court. The suspect still has not been apprehended.
— Jennifer Lewke (@WHEC_JLewke) November 30, 2019
Police in tactical gear with K9s headed up the stairs to the food court area. Police briefing should be happening shortly. Stay tuned on @DandC Facebook page. @DandC pic.twitter.com/Bn3JscmEp7
— Sarah Taddeo (@sjtaddeo) November 30, 2019
This is the scene outside of @destinyusa, police have the mall surrounded. Police say the mall is not locked down at this point but traffic away from the area, isn’t moving. pic.twitter.com/3SFpEa4haT
— Jennifer Lewke (@WHEC_JLewke) November 30, 2019
One of the biggest malls in America going from jam-packed for Black Friday shopping to desolate in the matter of an hour. Upwards of 30+ police officers on standby. pic.twitter.com/nIERNak3XN
— Tommy CNY (@TommySladek) November 30, 2019
.@SyracusePolice will have an update at 8PM. The mall is closed. Air1 in the air circling the mall. #LocalSYR new pic.twitter.com/njJLdURKPQ
— Josh Martin (@JoshMartinTweet) November 30, 2019
Tons of emergency vehicles here around the food court area. @DandC pic.twitter.com/0GY5afUpLx
— Sarah Taddeo (@sjtaddeo) November 30, 2019
Standstill lin the garage as crowds are leaving @destinyusa pic.twitter.com/We6DhyjgvK
— Marie Morr (@mommiemarie19) November 30, 2019
Leaving the #DestinyUSA mall in #Syracuse will take a long while. pic.twitter.com/NR4ez42wDF
— Maria P????? (@Screablue) November 30, 2019
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