In the heart of Waterbury, Connecticut, a bustling afternoon at the Brass Mill Center mall turned into a scene of terror and chaos on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, when gunfire erupted, leaving four people injured and a community shaken. The shopping center, a popular destination on Union Street known for its vibrant mix of stores and eateries, became the epicenter of a violent incident that unfolded around 4:40 p.m., sending shoppers and employees scrambling for safety. The sound of gunshots echoed through the mall, followed by screams as panicked crowds fled or sought refuge behind locked doors and in store backrooms. For many, the ordinary act of shopping transformed into a desperate struggle to stay safe.
Waterbury police responded swiftly to reports of an active shooter, descending on the mall with tactical units and detectives to secure the area and tend to the victims. Emergency medical crews worked urgently to treat the injured, transporting them to nearby hospitals for further care. According to city officials, including Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr., four individuals were wounded in the shooting, though none of the injuries proved fatal—a small mercy in an otherwise harrowing event. The mayor emphasized the city’s commitment to public safety, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families while assuring residents that there was no ongoing threat to the community.
Witnesses described a frenzied scene as the gunfire broke out, with some reporting hearing as many as six shots. Shoppers dropped their bags and ran, while others huddled in corners or barricaded themselves in stores like JCPenney and Barnes & Noble. One witness, who had been dining at the food court, recounted the moment when an argument escalated into violence, with shots ringing out and sending people diving for cover. The mall, typically a place of leisure and community, became a stark reminder of the unpredictability of gun violence.
The Waterbury Police Department, bolstered by state police support, immediately locked down the Brass Mill Center and began a meticulous investigation. Detectives are combing through surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. While authorities believe the incident involved a single shooter, no suspects have been publicly identified, and the motive remains unclear. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward, providing contact numbers for the Detective Bureau and an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line to encourage community cooperation.
In the wake of the shooting, the mall was closed indefinitely, and portions of Union Street were cordoned off to facilitate the investigation and ensure public safety. Nearby schools and businesses implemented precautionary measures, with some initiating lockdowns or dismissing employees early. The incident has reverberated through Waterbury, a city already grappling with the challenges of gun violence. Residents have taken to social media to share their grief and frustration, with many expressing disbelief that such an event could occur in a familiar, family-friendly space. One local posted about the personal significance of the mall, recalling visits just months prior, now tinged with sorrow.
City leaders are preparing to address the public in a press conference, aiming to provide clarity and reassurance as the investigation progresses. Mayor Pernerewski has vowed to work with state and federal partners to address the broader issue of gun violence, a persistent concern in communities across the nation. The shooting at Brass Mill Center follows a troubling history of violence at the location, including a 2023 incident in which a 17-year-old was shot in the food court, an event that led to the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect. That earlier incident, like this one, stemmed from a personal dispute, raising questions about the recurring nature of such conflicts in public spaces.
As Waterbury processes this latest tragedy, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families while seeking answers. The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities determined to identify those responsible and uncover the circumstances that led to the violence. For now, the Brass Mill Center stands quiet, its usual vibrancy replaced by an eerie stillness. The community, however, is resilient, coming together to mourn, reflect, and demand action to prevent future acts of violence. As one resident put it, the mall is more than a place to shop—it’s a gathering spot for families and friends, and its violation has left a deep wound. Yet, in the face of fear, Waterbury’s spirit of unity and determination shines through, a testament to the strength of its people.