Around 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, 2021, a shooting occurred at Park City Mall. Four people have been reported to have suffered injuries from gunshot wounds. The altercation first occurred between two young men: Jeremiah Josiah-Alberto Sanchez, 16, flashed his gun at 18-year-old Elijah Deliz in an attempt to scare him away. A bystander who happened to be licensed to carry stepped in, which led to a shootout. 

Police reported that the bystander, a 50 year old man, shot one of the alleged gunmen. The high number of people involved in the hassle to get the gun away from the gunman means that it will take some time before charges can be pressed against anyone. Evidence is still being processed and this will be “a time consuming process,” said a Lancaster city police officer who’s currently investigating the case. Video coverage has to be thoroughly replayed to make sure nothing was missed or overlooked, and all evidence and witnesses are being taken into consideration before charges are made.

As of right now, police and news reporters have limited information about the incident. While witnesses are still coming forward and evidence is being unraveled, many shoppers are concerned with the safety of the mall. Employees and students who work and shop at the mall feel unsafe that someone was so comfortable with shooting at such a public location. 

Some people believe this was a one-time thing and the mall shouldn’t be portrayed as a place of “terror” after this one incident. It should be noted, however, that this generation has faced much distress in the past three years, from COVID to Black Lives Matter protests, to the Capitol attack. People have a reason to be on edge with their surroundings, and this incident just adds to the list. As we wait for a full report on the Park City Mall shooting, all we can do now is take extra precautions and pay close attention to our surroundings.