Rapper rumors spark mall melee
The mob sent frightened shoppers scrambling for safety as 10 fights broke out at the same time, forcing some stores to shut. Mall of America melee,
Brawls started after rumours swept the mall in Bloomington that rappers Lil’ Wayne and Drake were visiting.
Video captured police officers walking with their guns drawn, but they later said this was in response to reports of gun shots being fired.Several witnesses said the melee had elements of a 'smash and grab' flash mob, including heavy use of mobiles.
It took 30 police and mall security staff more than an hour to restore order - with 10 juveniles and young adults held on suspicion of disorderly conduct.
The violence erupted at about 4:20pm yesterday when a fight began involving a large group in the food court and quickly spread through the nation’s largest mall.
Bloomington police Commander Mark Stehlik confirmed that some groups were as large as 100 people and more than 200 may have been involved.
But there were no reports of any stolen goods.
Several stores, including Nordstrom, closed internal gates to the mall court, and a few stayed closed for the evening. For a few minutes the mall was inadvertently put in total lockdown.
Witness Makenzie Shofner, 15, of Maple Plain, told the Star Tribune: 'I saw a massive group of peopl. It looked like they were trying to pull people's stuff out of their bags. My heart was racing.'
Brianna Berg, 32, of Coon Rapids, was going down an escalator when a large group of young people rushed up behind her.
'I had to hold on tight. I was almost knocked down,' she said.
Some witnesses reported being evacuated from the mall, but police said shoppers were escorted toward the east exit to make room for the investigation.
A mall spokesman said: 'It is very unfortunate to see these incidents occurring, especially during the holiday shopping season when families are out spending time together.'
