Per live presser on CNN:
Ken Ulman, Howard County Executive:
3 confirmed dead.
Active crime scene, will be for some time.
Next briefing 4 pm
Thanking responders who rushed in, neighboring agencies, state police.
Chief Bill McMahon, Howard County Police:
11:15 911 received a number of calls.
3 victims on upper level. One appears to be shooter.
Many people in mall on Saturday who sheltered in place. Swat teams are going through stores to clear mall and be sure no other victims. There may have been injuries in the panic
No identity yet of victims or shooter.
Thanks to Columbia Mall, the public for their patience. We are working as quickly as possible. Also thanked other agencies, fire department.
Questions:
Won't release gender of victims
Shooting was in a store on upper level, not at food court.
Don't know if random or not.
Is a single shooter
Law enforcement did not fire.
Thought most people sheltered, did what we encourage them to do. No stampedes.
Detectives are interviewing on site.
Don't know how many shots fired.
All victims were found about the same time.
Happened to have some swat team members in area on another assignment which was very fortunate.
Back at 4 pm for conference.