Fact Check: Was there a Black Friday shooting at Crabtree Valley Mall?

As Black Friday shoppers bustled about Crabtree Valley Mall, reports began to circulate about a possible shooting at the mall. But is this true?

Here’s what we know:

Were shots fired at the mall?

No, according to the watch commander for the Raleigh Police Department, no shots were fired at Crabtree Vallley Mall. Officers on the scene confirmed that no shots were fired and no one was injured.

This is not the first time false gun shots have been reported at Crabtree Valley Mall. In August 2022, police responded to reports of gunshots one evening but after evacuating the mall, found no evidence of shots fired.

What happened?

According to the watch commander, pro-Palestinian protesters made their way to the food court and began calling for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Police said the protesters used bullhorns and were shouting before knocking over a table, triggering panic .at the mall. Likely, the watch commander said, shoppers mistook the sound of the table being knocked over for gunshots.

Shoppers began running to take cover. The mall was sent into a partial lockdown while police investigated.

The protesters were eventually ushered out by police without incident.

When will the mall reopen?

Operations ceased only temporarily while police investigated the incident. The mall is currently open.

This story was originally published November 24, 2023 at 11:13 AM.