Shoppers at the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City, New Jersey, experienced a chaotic evening on Sunday as two separate fights broke out, causing widespread confusion and panic.
According to officials, the incidents happened in different areas of the mall and are not believed to be connected. However, the close timing between the two fights led to a scary and tense atmosphere, with some people fearing a more serious threat.
Authorities said the first fight started inside the food court. Security guards tried to control the situation, and soon after, Jersey City police officers arrived at the scene. Just minutes later, a second fight began in a different part of the mall.
Because of this back-to-back disturbance, videos quickly began spreading on social media, with many users falsely claiming there was an active shooter or something more dangerous happening inside the mall.
However, the Jersey City Police Department was quick to confirm that there was no shooter, no shots fired, and no one seriously hurt.
A spokesperson for the police also said that the two fights appeared to be unrelated and that they were still looking into what exactly caused them. No weapons were found, and no arrests were announced as of Monday.
Despite the confirmation from officials, the false claims circulating online caused even more panic. People were seen rushing out of the mall, hiding in stores, or calling loved ones in fear.
The panic spread fast, and many shoppers said they were unsure of what was happening, only knowing that people were running and yelling.
Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione explained that the situation was quickly brought under control and there was no real threat to public safety.
She emphasized that the two fights were isolated incidents and that police responded as quickly as possible to restore order.
The mall remained open after the disturbances were resolved, but with a stronger police presence to reassure the public. Officials also stated that they were reviewing video footage from inside the mall to identify those involved and understand the reasons behind the fights.
Local residents expressed concern over the panic and the speed at which false information spread. Many said that the experience was terrifying, especially with rumors of a shooter.
Parents with children in the mall shared how they quickly grabbed their kids and tried to exit safely, not knowing if the danger was real.
Some shoppers criticized the spread of misinformation on social media and said it made the situation worse. Others praised the mall security and police for reacting quickly and keeping things from getting out of control.
Incidents like this are reminders of how quickly situations can escalate in crowded public spaces, especially when fear takes over and social media starts amplifying rumors.
Officials are now urging people to avoid spreading unconfirmed information online and to wait for verified updates from law enforcement or city officials.
As of now, investigations into both fights are ongoing. Police have not yet shared the names of any individuals involved or stated whether any charges will be filed.
They are asking anyone who was present during the fights or has video footage to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The Newport Centre Mall, which is a popular shopping destination in Jersey City, has dealt with disturbances in the past, but officials say they are committed to keeping it a safe space for shoppers and families. They added that increased patrols and safety measures may be introduced following this incident.
In the meantime, the city is urging the public to stay calm and rely only on official sources for updates in situations like these. Despite the scary moments, the quick response by law enforcement helped prevent any serious injuries and brought the situation under control.