A shooting insider a Columbia, Maryland mall this morning claimed the lives of three people, with the suspect among those dead, according to police.
Howard County Police Chief Bill McMahon says the motive of the shooter is unclear, but he opened fire on two individuals inside a second floor store before turning the gun on himself.
The identity of the deceased remains unknown at this time. One body was found near a shotgun.
"Think about this, on a Saturday afternoon at the mall, how many people may be in there," McMahon said at a press conference. "Something like this happens and people run in many directions, and they also do what we train them to do -- to shelter in place."
CNN, after speaking with a federal official, reports that the incident may have been connected to some kind of domestic dispute.
Four shoppers were wounded as a result of the attack (though only one by gunshot) and treated at Howard County General Hospital. All are in good condition.
Gunfire broke out in late morning, with a 911 call placed at 11:15 a.m. and the building deemed secure around 1 p.m.
Laura McKindles, a mall employee, told CNN affiliate WJLA that she heard eight to 10 gunshots.
"I have never experienced anything like this in my life," she said. "I was standing there talking to a customer and I started hearing all this bang
