Gunman in New Jersey mall attack found dead

Officials stand in the parking lot of the Garden State Plaza Mall following reports of a shooter in Paramus, New Jersey. Photo: AP

Authorities said a man suspected of firing multiple shots and causing a lockdown at New Jersey’s largest shopping mall has been found dead of a self-inflicted wound.

Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said the body of 20-year-old Richard Shoop of Teaneck was found in a back area of the Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus early on Tuesday. He said Shoop killed himself with the same weapon he used at the mall and that a note has been found.

There were no other injuries.

Police received reports of a man, who fired multiple shots shortly before the mall’s 9-30 pm closing time on Monday, sending customers and employees rushing for the exits and hiding places.