Augusta, Ga. — Authorities are responding to an active shooter situation at Augusta Mall following reports of gunfire Tuesday afternoon.

According to initial reports, the first calls came in just before 1:25 p.m., indicating that three gunshots had been fired and that there may be as many as three victims.

By approximately 1:55 p.m., emergency medical crews were seen transporting two stretchers from the scene.

A third stretcher was observed positioned along the wall outside the Barnes & Noble store.

The area near Barnes & Noble, including the escalators, was cordoned off with police tape as investigators secured the scene.

Witness accounts indicate that the suspected shooter was initially seen near the American Eagle store before fleeing into Bath & Body Works.

Mall employees and shoppers took cover as law enforcement began their response. Workers at Great American Cookies stated they were sheltering in place but reported that they did not witness the incident firsthand.

Shoppers at the Apple Store were escorted to the back of the store, where they also sheltered until further notice.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that bystanders attempted to administer CPR to one of the victims inside the mall.

Employees across several businesses within and around the mall confirmed that a lockdown was in effect, with individuals instructed to remain sheltered in place while authorities worked to secure the area.

This incident marks yet another shooting at Augusta Mall, which has experienced multiple violent events in recent years.