New Jersey Mall Evacuated After Reports of Shooting (UPDATE: Car Fire Likely Sparked Panic)

UPDATE — 9.40 p.m. ET: A law enforcement official told WNBC-TV that a car fire was mistaken for the sound of gunshots and sparked panic among shoppers.

#BREAKING: Garden State Plaza mall evacuated after car fire sparks panic https://t.co/NMODEXZkZs

— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) May 11, 2014

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The Garden State Plaza mall in New Jersey was evacuated after reports of gunfire Saturday night, the New York Post reported.

A social media journalist for Good Morning America tweeted that she was at the mall when the scene unfolded.

We don't know what's happening we're all frantically searching for our cars. A friend of mine is still inside they won't let her leave

— Rawan (@itsRawanE) May 11, 2014

Gun shots started in macys. My friend who works there heard the gun shots and saw security chasing someone through the store

— Rawan (@itsRawanE) May 11, 2014

When reached by phone, mall security told TheBlaze they could not confirm anything.

@NorthJerseybrk reports of gunfire or explosions at Garden State Plaza. Traffic jams as customers try to evacuate. pic.twitter.com/Mqf1CsivN8

— Matthew McGrath (@RecordMcGrath)

May 11, 2014

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