Two people are dead from a shooting inside a Toys ‘R’ Us in Palm Desert, 120 miles east of Los Angeles. Unlike a Wal-Mart stampede that killed a worker and injured a pregnant woman in New York earlier in the day, however, investigators have suggested this incident is likely not shopping-related.
“Two Rival Groups”
The Toys ‘R’ Us shooting involved only two men, police indicate, both of whom had handguns and shot and killed each other. Officers wouldn’t go as far as to label the violence as gang-related, saying no details would be released until family members had been notified. A city councilman, however, told The Desert Sun the two men were “the only ones involved” and seemed to be part of “two rival groups.”
“I think the obvious question everyone has is who takes loaded weapons into a Toys “R” Us?” Councilman Jim Ferguson said. “I doubt it was the casual holiday shopper.”
Toys ‘R’ Us has also issued a statement saying the “act seems to have been the result of a personal dispute between the individuals involved” and it “would be inaccurate to associate the events… with Black Friday.”
Shopper Scare
The shooting caused concern and commotion among shoppers in the crowded store, with parents and children running and crying. Workers immediately closed the store and escorted shoppers out. No other injuries have been reported.
Toys ‘R’ Us Shooting Video
The following is raw video taken from the scene of the Palm Desert Toys ‘R’ Us shooting:
The next clip is an interview with a man whose wife was inside and on the phone with him:
This clip is raw video showing police detaining a man outside the store:
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• Wal-Mart Stampede Leaves Worker Dead, Pregnant Woman Injured (VIDEO)
