Public spaces used to feel different. You’d walk into a place like the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, thinking about nothing more than a Cinnabon or finding a specific pair of jeans at Macy’s. Then, things changed. When we talk about the shooting at Empire Mall, we aren't just talking about one single isolated blip in time; we’re talking about a moment that fundamentally shifted how people in the region view their local hub. It’s scary. Honestly, it’s the kind of thing that makes you look for the exits the moment you walk through the sliding glass doors of a food court.
Understanding the events surrounding the violence at this specific location requires looking at the facts without the sensationalism that usually clogs up social media feeds. In July 2023, the peace was shattered. It wasn't a mass shooting in the way the national media often portrays—a lone gunman targeting dozens—but rather a targeted, violent dispute that spilled over into a public space where families were just trying to spend a Saturday.
The Day the Empire Mall Shooting Changed Everything
It was a Saturday. July 8, 2023. Busy.
Around 8:00 PM, just as the mall was beginning to wind down for the evening, shots rang out. Specifically, the gunfire happened near the Red Robin entrance, a high-traffic area. If you’ve been there, you know that spot. It’s right near the theater and the main parking clusters. One person was hit. A 19-year-old.
The chaos that followed was predictable but no less terrifying. People hid in dressing rooms. Employees pulled down the heavy metal security gates of stores like Sephora and Dick's Sporting Goods, ushering panicked shoppers into back stockrooms. Imagine sitting between racks of clothes, heart hammering, wondering if someone is right outside the door. That was the reality for hundreds of people that night.
The Sioux Falls Police Department, led by Chief Jon Thum, responded with an overwhelming force. They had to. In an era where active shooter threats are the "new normal," there is no such thing as an under-reaction.
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Who Was Involved?
This wasn't a random act of terror. Police quickly identified that the shooting at Empire Mall was the result of a dispute between people who knew each other. Basically, it was a "beef" that ended in gunfire. While that might make some feel safer—knowing they weren't the target—it doesn't actually help when bullets are flying through a public corridor. A stray round doesn't care who you are.
Eventually, arrests were made. A 19-year-old named Alandre Smith was later charged. The victim, luckily, survived after being rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. But the trauma to the community? That hasn't healed quite as fast.
Why the Sioux Falls Community is Still On Edge
Sioux Falls is a big city with a small-town soul. People here expect a certain level of safety. When the shooting at Empire Mall happened, it broke a silent contract. The mall isn't just a place to shop; it's the primary hangout for teenagers from across the state and a walking track for seniors in the winter.
One major point of contention after the event was the mall's security protocol. Critics argued that the response was too slow, while others praised the store managers who acted on instinct.
What actually happens during a mall lockdown?
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Most people think it’s like the movies. It isn't. It’s quiet. It’s the sound of muffled breathing and the hum of industrial air conditioners. According to security experts, the Empire Mall uses a tiered response system. This includes:
- Real-time camera monitoring from a central "hive."
- Cooperation with the SFPD, who often have a presence nearby.
- Internal communication systems that alert store managers via a "mall-wide" notification.
But tech fails. During the shooting at Empire Mall, some shoppers reported they had no idea what was happening until they saw crowds of people running toward the exits. That communication gap is something the Simon Property Group, which owns the mall, has had to address aggressively in the months following the incident.
Comparing Past Incidents and Security Trends
This wasn't the first time the mall saw trouble, though it was certainly the most high-profile. There have been smaller scuffles, shoplifting rings, and minor altercations over the years. However, the 2023 incident forced a massive re-evaluation of "soft target" security in South Dakota.
Let's be real: you can't put a metal detector at every entrance of a massive shopping center. It would kill business. People wouldn't go. So, the mall has turned to "invisible security." You might notice more patrols now. Some are plainclothes. Others are K-9 units trained to detect gunpowder or stress hormones—though the mall hasn't officially confirmed every specific tactic for obvious reasons.
How to Stay Safe in High-Traffic Public Areas
It’s easy to say "don't be afraid," but it’s better to be prepared. If you find yourself in a situation like the shooting at Empire Mall, your survival depends on the first 60 seconds.
Run. Hide. Fight. It’s the standard Department of Homeland Security advice for a reason.
- Run: If there is a clear path, get out. Don't grab your shopping bags. Leave your Orange Julius on the table. Just move.
- Hide: If you can't get out, find a store that has a lockable back room. Stay away from the glass windows. Most mall stores have thick drywall in the back that provides better protection than the storefront.
- Fight: This is the absolute last resort. If you are cornered, use anything—a fire extinguisher, a heavy mannequin base, a laptop.
Spotting the Signs
Situational awareness isn't about being paranoid; it's about being observant. Look for people who seem out of place—not because of how they look, but how they act. Are they pacing? Are they watching security instead of the storefronts? Do they have heavy bags that they aren't treating like shopping bags?
The Legal and Social Aftermath
The legal proceedings following the shooting at Empire Mall were watched closely by the local press. The community wanted justice, but they also wanted answers. Why was a 19-year-old carrying a gun in a "gun-free zone"?
The reality is that "Gun-Free Zone" signs are a deterrent for law-abiding citizens, but they do very little to stop someone intent on violence. This has sparked a massive debate in the South Dakota legislature about the efficacy of mall security and whether more should be done to allow permitted carry in these spaces for self-defense.
Key Takeaways from the Investigation:
- The shooter and the victim had a prior history.
- The weapon was illegally possessed by a minor/young adult in that context.
- The mall's response time for the initial "all-clear" took several hours as police had to clear every single store, one by one, to ensure no second shooter existed.
Real Steps for Moving Forward
If you’re a frequent visitor to the mall, or if you work there, you need a plan. Don't wait for the next "breaking news" alert to figure it out.
First, know the secondary exits. Every major anchor store like JCPenney or Scheels has exits that lead directly to the parking lot. You don't have to go back into the main mall concourse to leave.
Second, check your phone settings. Ensure you have local emergency alerts turned on. During the shooting at Empire Mall, some of the most accurate information came from official police Twitter (X) accounts and local news apps like KELO or Dakota News Now, rather than the mall’s internal PA system.
Third, talk to your kids. If you have teenagers who hang out at the mall, make sure they know where to meet you if things go sideways. "Meet at the car" is a better plan than trying to find each other in a panicked crowd of thousands.
The shooting at Empire Mall was a wake-up call for Sioux Falls. It showed that even in the heart of the Midwest, the complexities of modern violence can arrive without warning. The mall remains open, and it remains the shopping capital of the region. It’s safe, statistically speaking. But the "it can't happen here" mentality is officially gone.
Actionable Security Checklist for Shoppers
To feel more in control the next time you head out, keep these points in mind.
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- Identify the "Safe Zones": Large department stores usually have more exits and more secure back-of-house areas than small kiosks in the middle of the hallway.
- Trust Your Gut: If a group of people starts acting erratic or a vibe feels "off" in the food court, just leave. The 20 minutes of shopping you miss isn't worth the risk.
- Report, Don't Record: In the age of TikTok, people's first instinct is to pull out a phone. Don't. If you see something suspicious, find a security guard or call 911 immediately. Your video isn't as important as your life.
The Empire Mall has increased its budget for private security and has tightened its relationship with the SFPD. You'll see more patrol cars in the periphery of the parking lot. It's a deterrent, but the real security lies in a community that stays vigilant and informed. Stay aware of your surroundings, have an exit strategy, and don't let fear dictate your life—just let it inform your preparation.