Police ID person who made Mall of Georgia threat
Gwinnett County police said Tuesday they have identified the person who made an online threat involving the Mall of Georgia.
Also, police spokesman Cpl. Michele Pihera said that “we do not believe the mall is in any immediate danger.”
Earlier Tuesday, police said they were investigating a threat made online to “shoot up” the mall, which is located in the Buford area.
Police were notified Monday of the threat, which was made in an online gaming chat room, said spokesman Cpl. Deon Washington. The threat said the shooting would occur at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Washington said.
Statements also were made in the chat room about the number of people who were going to be shot, and there was a reference to committing suicide after the shooting, Washington said.
“Because of the magnitude of the threats and an abundance of caution, Gwinnett County police deployed undercover tactical resources within the Mall of Georgia,” Washington said. “There is also a visible uniform officer presence outside and inside of the mall. Citizens should expect high visibility patrols to continue for an undetermined period of time.”
The person who informed police also was part of the online gaming chat room in which the threat was made.
“This is a very disturbing situation that we take very seriously,” Washington said.
He said police hoped to deter anyone who would want to exploit the situation and create “undue fear and panic” in the community.
