Waterbury Mall Shooting Shocks a Community

By D.M.Livingston|Published May 2025

Updated Nov 23, 2025 7:24PM

Waterbury, CT As someone who grew up in Waterbury, this one hit close to home. On Tuesday evening, just before 5 p.m., gunfire erupted inside the Brass Mill Center—our mall. Five people were shot. Police say it wasn’t random; it started as a conflict and escalated.

Waterbury Crime Central – News & Updates

It was chaos. Shoppers ran for cover, some hid in stores, others fled with children in strollers. A mother with an infant and toddler had to be escorted out by police, as the father waited anxiously. I can only imagine the fear.

Gov. Lamont speaks at press conference after mall shooting

Waterbury police moved fast. They were inside treating the wounded and searching for the shooter, who reportedly had help escaping. They’ve got someone in custody and two vehicles impounded. Now, they’re working with state police, the FBI, and ATF. Shell casings, surveillance footage, and digital evidence are helping them piece it all together.

Rep. Hayes, Chief Spagnola, Mayor Pernerewski, and State Representatives from Waterbury gather at press conference after mall shooting

Chief Spagnolo said it best—people stayed calm, followed the plan, and helped each other. It took more than four hours to fully clear the mall, with tactical teams and K9 units going store by store.

There’s a press conference Wednesday morning. We’ll be there. This is our city, and we deserve to feel safe in it.