Heavy police activity was reportedly seen at the Santa Anita Mall, also called The Shops at Santa Anita, at 400 S Baldwin Ave in Arcadia, California on Wednesday. There were concerns about a possible shooting, but early reports did not confirm that any shots were fired.
Police were seen at the mall responding to the situation.
The Arcadia Police Department said officers were investigating the incident. In a statement, the department said it was on scene at the mall and asked people to avoid the area until further notice. Officials said they would provide an update soon.
BREAKING: Heavily armed police are clearing the Westfield Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia after reports of a man with a rifle threatening to shoot people. pic.twitter.com/378DBIVnE0
— Resist Wire (@ResistWire) March 12, 2026
The City of Arcadia also asked people to stay away from the area around Baldwin Avenue.
One person on X said heavily armed police were clearing the mall after reports of a man with a rifle who allegedly threatened to shoot people. The person shared a photo that appeared to show police inside the mall.
The same person later said there were still no reports of shots fired and no suspect had been found. They said law enforcement had surrounded the entire mall.
A police armored vehicle was seen outside a JCPenney store.
Police have not released more details yet and have not shared information about a suspect.
Videos shared online showed several police vehicles outside the mall as people expressed concern for those inside.
Some people on social media asked where exactly in the mall the situation was happening, saying they had friends inside.
