In the heart of Waterbury, Connecticut, a bustling community was shaken on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, when gunfire erupted inside the Brass Mill Center mall, leaving five people wounded and a city grappling with the aftermath of a targeted act of violence. The incident, which unfolded just before 4:45 p.m., transformed a place meant for shopping and leisure into a scene of chaos and fear. As families and friends scattered for safety, the reality of gun violence struck a community that prides itself on resilience and togetherness. The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Tajuan Washington, a Waterbury resident, now faces serious charges, and the city is left to reflect on how to heal and move forward.
The shooting occurred in the late afternoon, when the mall at 495 Union Street was filled with shoppers. According to Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo, officers responded swiftly to reports of a disturbance, arriving to find five victims—four women and one man—suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were promptly transported to local hospitals, where three have since been released, and the remaining two are reported to be in stable condition. The swift response from law enforcement, supported by Connecticut State Police, ensured the scene was secured, and the mall was evacuated to allow for a thorough investigation.
Authorities have emphasized that this was not a random act of violence. The shooting stemmed from a personal conflict between Washington and the male victim, described as a targeted confrontation rooted in a prior dispute. This history, though not detailed publicly, underscores a troubling pattern of unresolved conflicts escalating into violence. Chief Spagnolo noted that Washington was already out on a $25,000 bond from an earlier arrest in October, when he was caught driving recklessly at 105 miles per hour on Interstate 84 with his headlights off. This prior encounter with the law raises questions about the circumstances that allowed Washington to remain free, a point likely to spark debate as the community seeks answers.
Tajuan Washington was taken into custody shortly after the incident and now faces a litany of charges, including five counts of first-degree assault, risk of injury to a child, criminal use of a weapon, illegal discharge of a firearm, reckless endangerment, carrying a pistol without a permit, and illegal possession of weapons in a motor vehicle. He is being held on a $2 million bond and made his first court appearance on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The severity of the charges reflects the gravity of the incident, which disrupted the lives of not only the victims but also countless others who witnessed the event or its aftermath.
Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. addressed the community during a press conference on Wednesday, seeking to reassure residents that the Brass Mill Center remains a safe space. “This was a one-off incident,” he said, emphasizing that the mall, a cornerstone of the city’s economy and social life, had been thoroughly searched and cleared by police. He encouraged residents to return to the mall, underscoring the city’s commitment to safety and unity. “We support and care for one another, and we are going to continue moving forward as a city,” Pernerewski said, acknowledging the emotional toll on the community while pledging to address the broader issue of gun violence.
The incident has drawn heartfelt responses from local leaders, including Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who expressed solidarity with Waterbury. “Our hearts break for the Waterbury community, the victims, and their families,” he said, praising law enforcement’s rapid response while lamenting the tragedy that unfolded in a place meant to be a haven for all. The governor’s words resonate with a community now tasked with balancing grief and recovery, as residents confront the reality of violence in a familiar setting.
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together evidence, including surveillance footage from the mall, to understand the full scope of the incident. The Brass Mill Center remained closed on Wednesday to allow for forensic work, a stark reminder of the disruption caused by the shooting. Community members, meanwhile, are left to process the event, with some, like local resident Vanessa Dragoj, describing the gunfire as sounding “like fireworks—boom, boom, boom, very fast.” Her words capture the suddenness and terror of the moment, a sentiment echoed by others who were present.
This tragedy has also sparked broader conversations about gun violence and conflict resolution. Chief Spagnolo highlighted a growing trend of individuals resorting to violence over disputes, a challenge not unique to Waterbury but felt acutely in this close-knit city. As Waterbury moves forward, the focus will likely shift to prevention, community support, and ensuring such incidents do not define the city’s future. For now, the victims, their families, and a shaken community remain at the forefront of the city’s thoughts, as Waterbury vows to emerge stronger together.
