Five people were injured in a shooting at the Brass Mill Center mall in Waterbury, Connecticut on May 27, 2025, when a dispute escalated into gunfire just before 4:40 p.m. The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Tajuan Washington, opened fire after confronting a man he had previous conflicts with, according to authorities.
Washington was out on $25,000 bond for reckless driving and other charges at the time of the shooting. He had been arrested in October 2024 for driving 105 miles per hour on Interstate 84 East and turning his lights off to evade state police. The Waterbury native fired seven rounds from a semi-automatic pistol near the shopping center’s main entrance.
The gunman struck one male victim he specifically targeted along with four women who were with the man. All five victims were between 18 and their mid-20s. Three victims had been discharged from local hospitals by May 28, while two remained stable, including one woman who sustained a spinal injury. Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. confirmed there were no fatalities.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo emphasized that authorities did not consider this a random act of violence. “We do not believe this was a random act of violence,” Spagnolo stated during a press conference. The police chief indicated that the shooting resulted from a conflict that escalated between individuals who knew each other.
Officers responded to reports of a disturbance at the 1.1-million square-foot shopping complex within minutes of the gunfire. Police described the scene as chaotic, with terrified shoppers running for safety throughout the massive mall. Many people sheltered in place during the incident, with mall employees helping guide patrons to safety and maintaining calm during the emergency response.
Video footage circulating online captured the aftermath, showing one apparent gunshot victim outside a store screaming in distress and pleading for assistance. The footage revealed the immediate panic and confusion that followed the shooting as people sought cover and emergency responders arrived at the scene.
Law enforcement conducted a methodical search of the mall, going store by store with K-9 units to ensure the building was secure. Police also executed a search warrant at Washington’s residence, where investigators discovered rifles, though they are still searching for the specific firearm used in the mall shooting. The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined the investigation alongside state and local authorities.
Washington was arrested and charged with five counts of first-degree assault along with additional weapons charges. He was being held on $2 million bond and appeared in court on May 28. Police indicated they were continuing to investigate the specific nature of the dispute between Washington and the primary male victim.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont attended the press conference and urged residents not to be intimidated by such incidents. The governor noted that what began as an argument ended with someone pulling out a semi-automatic weapon and firing multiple rounds, badly wounding five people. He emphasized that the Connecticut State Police would assist in the ongoing investigation.
Spagnolo praised the response of both mall patrons and staff during the emergency, noting they did an incredible job keeping themselves and others safe. He indicated their actions likely prevented the situation from becoming much worse. The police chief assured the public there was no ongoing threat to community safety following Washington’s arrest.
Mayor Pernerewski characterized the incident as a one-off event and assured residents that the mall was safe for shopping. He commended mall employees for their quick thinking and assistance during the crisis, noting that helping people during such emergencies was not part of their normal job responsibilities.
The Brass Mill Center is located at 495 Union Street in Waterbury, approximately 33 miles southwest of Hartford. The city has a population of 114,403 according to the 2020 Census. The shooting occurred during regular shopping hours at one of the area’s major retail destinations.
