WAYNE, N.J. — What should have been a quiet Tuesday evening for holiday shoppers at Willowbrook Mall turned tense when reports of gunfire sent shoppers and workers fleeing in fear. Just after 7 p.m. on Dec. 30, calls flooded into police dispatchers reporting shots fired in the busy food court. Within minutes, sirens filled the air as dozens of police units from Wayne and surrounding agencies rushed to the sprawling Passaic County shopping center.
Officers arriving at the scene didn’t immediately find victims, but they took swift action to secure the area and make sure people were safe. Authorities quickly evacuated shoppers and employees, guiding them out calmly but urgently as a large perimeter was established around the mall’s entrances. Witnesses described scenes of confusion at first, with many people unaware of what exactly had happened until officers began the orderly evacuation.
Investigators soon determined that what triggered the alarm was likely a single gunshot that rang out amid what appeared to be a physical altercation near the food court. At this stage, police believe the incident was isolated and not part of a larger active shooter scenario, calming fears that had briefly spread on social media.
By late evening, officials from the Wayne Police Department confirmed that no one had suffered serious injuries. Ambulances had been staged in the parking lot near the AMC theater as a precaution, but medical personnel were not treating anyone for life‑threatening wounds. Early reports online suggesting multiple victims were quickly dismissed as unverified rumors.
Even so, the response was significant. Several people were detained for questioning as the investigation unfolded, and officers combed the mall for evidence to understand what led up to the gun being fired. Police urged the public to stay clear of Willowbrook Mall while the scene remained active, warning that bus routes and traffic around the area could face delays.
Social media lit up during and after the incident, with shoppers posting videos and images of police tape, flashing lights and crowds being guided out through exits. Despite the fear, many expressed relief that the situation hadn’t escalated into a more serious tragedy.
As of Wednesday morning, Willowbrook Mall remains closed to the public while detectives piece together the timeline of events. Authorities say they are reviewing video footage and interviewing witnesses, and that more details — including possible charges — will be released once confirmed. For now, Wayne residents are grateful for the swift police action and the fact that what could have been a devastating holiday week ended without loss of life.
