Yesterday (Friday, July 3), a gunman opened fire at the Riverchase Galleria mall in Hoover, Alabama.
Police say the shooting occurred mid-afternoon at 15:18, and tragically resulted in the death of an eight-year-old boy. Three others - including a young girl - were injured.
Writing on Facebook, officials from the Hoover Police Department wrote:
"This afternoon at 3:18 p.m., the Hoover 911 Center received multiple calls of shots fired inside the Riverchase Galleria near the food court. Officers, detectives and crime scene investigators are on the scene and are beginning the process of interviewing victims and witnesses and collecting evidence.
"We don’t know at this point what led to the shooting or how many gunmen were involved."
The eight-year-old who sadly died was Royta Giles Jr., a Jonesboro Elementary School student on his way to the third grade.
Following the news of Giles' death, the police department once again took to social media to provide the following update:
"Detectives continue their efforts to collect evidence and identify possible suspects. Anyone with information about this shooting is urged to contact the Hoover Police Department at one of the following numbers:
"Hoover Police 911 Center: 205-822-5300, Sergeant Matt Savage205-739-6780, Sergeant Daniel Lowe205-739-6762."
Now, the Bessemer City School district has released the following tribute honoring the late student.
Writing on the Bessemer City Schools Facebook page, Royta Giles was described as a "jewel, with big dreams of someday entering the music industry".
The statement read: "It is with deep regret that we announce the tragic loss of Jonesboro Elementary School student, Royta Giles Jr."
It continued:
"The young child was killed during a shooting this afternoon at the Riverchase Galleria Mall in Hoover.
"School administrators have been speaking with the child's family members and offer support as they grieve the sudden and difficult loss.
"'Our hearts are simply broken at the tragic loss of Royta. We are here for the family in every way possible, and we ask that everyone lifts the mother, family, and our school community in your prayers. This is tough,' says Bessemer City Schools superintendent, Dr. Autumm Jeter.
"Royta Giles was heading to the 3rd grade this fall. Principal, Dr. Anjell Edwards, and staff describe him as a smart child, who was a jewel, with big dreams of someday entering the music industry.
"'He was bright, articulate, and very convincing. We even tried to convince him to become a lawyer,' says former assistant principal Mr. Van James.
"The school system will remain available and continue to support those within the Bessemer City Schools family by all means possible to help them through this time. Meanwhile, those without immediate relationship to the family are asked to be sensitive to this tragic situation."
In response to the tragic incident, officials from the Riverchase Galleria took to the mall's Facebook page to share the following announcement:
"We are heartbroken by the tragic, senseless incident that took place in our shopping center this afternoon.
"Riverchase Galleria was evacuated immediately and will remain closed while the Hoover Police Department conducts their investigation. There is no additional information available at this time and ask that all questions be directed to the Hoover Police Department.
"The shopping center will remain closed tomorrow, July 4."
Our thoughts are with those recovering, and the family and friends of the victims.
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