A 17-year-old has been charged as an adult after allegedly opening fire inside Westfield Wheaton Mall, injuring a 13-year-old boy, according to Montgomery County Police.
The incident has drawn national attention, with coverage from outlets including TMZ and the New York Post after surveillance video of the shooting circulated online.
At approximately 6 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, 4th District officers responded to the mall at 11160 Veirs Mill Road after Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center received more than 23 calls reporting an active shooter on the mall’s second level. Callers told dispatchers the suspect was wearing all black.
Police said officers entered the mall through the lower level and found the suspect lying on the floor outside the entrance to Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he was taken into custody. Officers also recovered a black 9mm handgun.
During a search of the area, officers found a 13-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound to the ankle near the Cinnabon and children’s play area, where children were actively playing at the time. Officers applied a tourniquet before the victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives reviewed surveillance video and determined that at approximately 5:58 p.m., a group of teenagers walked past the suspect, who was seated near Cinnabon. Police allege the suspect then stood up, pulled out a handgun and fired at the group.
Following the shooting, the suspect ran toward Dick’s Sporting Goods, where an armed security officer saw him carrying the handgun, ordered him to the ground and detained him until officers arrived.
The suspect has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a violent felony, carrying a loaded handgun and possession of a firearm by a minor. He is being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit pending a bond hearing.
Wheaton, MD – photos and video from the scene of a reported shooting in the area of the Westfield Wheaton Mall. Scene is secure follow @mcpnews for updates. #mcpd pic.twitter.com/flCWsDKjlG
— MyDrone.Pro (@MyDronePro) July 31, 2026
