Crime
3 people shot at Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah
A total of four ambulances were observed leaving the scene with patients.
SAVANNAH, GA — Multiple people were injured during a shooting incident at Oglethorpe Mall on Wednesday evening, prompting a large-scale emergency response and the evacuation of the shopping center.
Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther confirmed that seven individuals were transported from the scene with various injuries.
Of those, three were gunshot victims — two young adults and one juvenile — while the remaining four sustained non-gunshot-related medical emergencies.
One individual is currently reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities said the incident was not classified as an “active shooter” situation.
According to preliminary findings, the shooting erupted between two groups inside a store and continued outside the mall premises.
The shooting occurred around 5:45 p.m., and the mall was subsequently evacuated.
A significant law enforcement presence remains in the area as the investigation continues.
Emergency crews, including Savannah Fire and EMS, as well as firefighters from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 574, responded rapidly to the scene. Additional personnel were dispatched to assist with triage and medical transport.
Firefighters were initially called at 5:43 p.m. to respond to the reported shooting.
According to IAFF officials, the incident involved a “multi-agency response” and required immediate medical attention for multiple patients. At least four ambulances were seen departing the scene.
“This remains an active and potentially dangerous situation. We urge the public to avoid the Oglethorpe Mall area as first responders work to secure the scene and assist those affected,” an IAFF spokesperson said.
The Savannah Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
More details will be provided as the investigation develops.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.