On Saturday, at approximately 2 p.m., the West County Center mall in Des Peres, Missouri (just west of St. Louis), was placed on lockdown following reports of an active shooter, according to local law enforcement and eyewitnesses.
Incident Overview
Police were dispatched to the mall after multiple reports of shots fired; authorities described the situation as a potential active shooter event, though they had not confirmed any actual gunfire at the time of initial reporting.
Witnesses described hearing what sounded like gunshots, with some reporting a fight involving a group of about 7–8 individuals in the food court area just before the sound of shots.
It remains unclear whether anyone was injured, and authorities had not confirmed any casualties as of the latest updates.
Response and Safety Measures
A large emergency response was mobilized, including members from various law enforcement agencies working together to secure the mall and shelter the public.
The mall remained under lockdown for an extended period. Many shoppers and employees sheltered inside stores, with some choosing to remain in restrooms or stockrooms until they could be evacuated safely.
Context and Background History
The West County Center has experienced previous incidents involving firearms. In April 2021, an argument between two groups escalated to gunfire on the second floor, prompting security to lock down the mall. No injuries were reported in that incident.
In July 2021, a fatal shooting occurred at the mall during an altercation inside Champs Sports. A 20-year-old victim was killed and the shooter was later arrested; the mall was evacuated and operations paused following the event.
Investigation Next Steps
Officials on the ground emphasized that the investigation remained in its early stages; they had not confirmed whether any shots were actually fired or if a suspect had been detained as of the latest reports.
Authorities stated there was no confirmed threat to the public once the situation was assessed, but the lockdown remained in effect during the response .
This lockdown reflects growing concern over recurring security threats at major public venues. While authorities continue to investigate and determine the presence or absence of an actual shooter, the priority remains safeguarding patrons, employees, and surrounding communities. More information—including potential arrests, injuries, or official guidance—may be released as investigations proceed.
