The bustling Brass Mill Center in Waterbury, Connecticut, a place where families shop and friends gather, was shattered by violence on Tuesday afternoon, May 27, 2025, when gunfire erupted inside the mall, leaving five people wounded and a community grappling with fear and uncertainty. The shooting, which unfolded around 4:40 p.m. at the sprawling shopping complex on Union Street, prompted a swift and extensive response from local law enforcement and emergency services, who worked tirelessly to secure the scene and tend to the injured. As the sun set on a shaken city, the suspect—a man believed to be in his 20s—remained at large, leaving residents and authorities on edge.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo addressed the public in a press briefing late Tuesday, shedding light on the chaotic incident. He confirmed that officers responded to reports of a disturbance at the mall, only to discover multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical teams quickly transported the five injured individuals to local hospitals, though details about their conditions remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Authorities emphasized that the shooting was not a random act of violence but appeared to stem from a conflict that escalated rapidly, with the suspect reportedly wielding a semi-automatic pistol. While no fatalities have been reported, the gravity of the situation was palpable as police urged the public to steer clear of the area to ensure the safety of both civilians and first responders.
The Brass Mill Center, a key retail hub located just off Interstate 84, is home to a variety of stores, restaurants, and a movie theater, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. On Tuesday, however, the vibrant atmosphere turned to panic as shoppers and employees sought safety. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with some sheltering in place inside stores while others fled the premises. Police have since been methodically combing through the mall, going store by store to collect evidence and interview those who were present during the incident. State police and federal agencies have joined the effort, assisting with tasks such as clearing the mall and gathering digital evidence to aid in identifying the suspect.
The Waterbury Police Department has remained tight-lipped about specific details, including the suspect’s identity or a precise motive, citing the active nature of the investigation. However, Chief Spagnolo’s assertion that the suspect and victims likely knew each other suggests a targeted incident rather than a random spree. This has done little to ease the concerns of a community already rattled by recent violence in the area. Waterbury, a city of about 110,000 residents located 30 miles southwest of Hartford, has faced its share of challenges, and the shooting at Brass Mill Center has reignited conversations about public safety and the need for effective measures to prevent such tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the Brass Mill Center remains closed, its usually lively corridors now silent as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this violent outburst. The city’s mayor’s office has expressed relief that no lives were lost but underscored the urgency of bringing the suspect to justice. For now, Waterbury residents are left to process the shock of a place meant for community and commerce becoming the scene of such a harrowing event. Authorities have promised further updates as new information emerges, and the public awaits answers, hoping for closure and a renewed sense of security in their city.
