Security Responded "Almost Immediately" to Mall Shooting, Witness Says

Around 5:30 p.m. on a typical Wednesday, Alex Cervino was managing his store inside the Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah when he heard gunshots reverberating through the concourse outside. Almost immediately, mall security officers rushed toward the source of the gunfire. At the time, the store had no customers, allowing Cervino and a colleague to retreat to the backroom, where they stayed calm for about four and a half hours until given the all-clear by police to leave.

Cervino described the scene after the incident as chaotic, with broken glass, flip-flops, and hats scattered where people had fled in haste. Although he couldn't pinpoint the exact origin of the shooting, he noted that it seemed close to his store. The LiveSafe app, used by most mall employees, proved instrumental in providing timely updates from security during and after the event. While hiding in the storeroom, Cervino read these updates, which helped keep everyone informed.

Following the ordeal, those who had taken shelter in the store were asked to provide statements to law enforcement before leaving late into the night. Reflecting on the response, Cervino praised the swift actions of security and law enforcement personnel. He mentioned videos online showing a significant presence at the scene shortly after the shots were fired, expressing admiration for their bravery. "I can't imagine charging toward that," he said, acknowledging the risks they faced.

Just two weeks prior, Cervino had completed an annual active shooter training session organized by his employer, who requested anonymity. Employees returned to the mall Thursday around noon to collect personal belongings or prepare their stores for closure. Security allowed only one or two employees at a time through the entrance of a former Kirkland's store.

Oglethorpe Mall remained closed on Thursday following the shooting, with its reopening date yet to be determined. Brookfield Properties, the mall's owner, confirmed Andy Frain Services as the security provider for the sprawling 900,000+-square-foot property. Brookfield’s code of conduct explicitly prohibits firearms on the premises, with signs posted at entrances reinforcing this rule.

Brookfield emphasized a comprehensive security program encompassing both visible and behind-the-scenes measures but refrained from disclosing specific protocols to avoid compromising effectiveness. They directed further inquiries to the Savannah Police Department (SPD), citing an ongoing investigation. SPD officials did not respond to questions about collaboration with Andy Frain.

Andy Frain Services, which has received National SAFETY Act Certification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, did not comment on the incident before publication. Security officers onsite Thursday barred media access, while an officer on the mall's security line referred press inquiries to Brookfield.

Despite the closure, Belk department store remained open until 8 p.m., according to a cosmetics section employee, though its mall-facing entrances were shuttered. JC Penny and Barnes and Noble, with separate entrances facing the parking lot, remained closed.

This story is still developing, capturing the immediate aftermath and responses to the unexpected violence at a once-bustling retail hub.