AP Photo/Jim Mone, File
The New York Giants believe multiple players were at the Mall of America in Minneapolis at the time of Friday’s deadly shooting, but all are now safe.
“Everyone is back in the hotel and accounted for now,” Giants executive vice president of communications Pat Hanlon told Abbie Parr and Stefanie Dazio of the Associated Press.
The Giants are staying at a hotel adjacent to the mall ahead Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Tom Pelissero @TomPelissero
Numerous #Giants players spent roughly an hour last night on lockdown at the Mall of America, where a 19-year-old man was shot dead. A scary situation, as they now try to refocus and face the #Vikings. @nflnetwork @NFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/dJGKZAhrT5
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said there was an altercation between two groups at the mall on Friday, with a 19-year-old shot and killed. A bystander’s jacket was also grazed by a bullet during the shooting.
Giants radio play-by-play announcer Bob Papa provided a firsthand account from the mall:
Bob Papa @BobPapa_NFL
Scary here @mallofamerica. Shooting in mall. On lockdown at #TwinCitiesGrill. Two gunmen at least one victim.
The entire incident lasted about 30 seconds, according to police.
The upcoming game is an important one for the 8-5-1 Giants looking to secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2016. They can clinch a playoff spot this week with a win and at least two losses between the Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions.
The Vikings (11-3) have already clinched the NFC North, but the current No. 2 seed is still in contention for the No. 1 overall seed in the conference.
