Lafayette Walmart Gunshot Sends Shoppers Running

A gunshot inside the Walmart on Pinhook Road in Lafayette sent shoppers scrambling Friday night, with some initially unsure whether they were witnessing an active threat inside the store.

Lafayette Police later confirmed the incident was an accidental discharge involving a firearm being carried by a man inside the Walmart.

According to police, the man accidentally shot himself in the leg while adjusting the firearm on his belt. He was transported to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

No other injuries were reported.

Witnesses Describe Frightening Moments Inside Store

The sound of the gunshot understandably created confusion among shoppers who did not immediately know what had happened.

Ariyana Owens posted about the incident in a local Facebook group late Friday night, saying she and her husband were inside the store and heard the shot from the next aisle.

Facebook, Ariyana Stevens

Owens said someone nearby suggested the shooting was accidental, but she did not know that for certain at the time. She said she and her husband were safe but shaken by how close they had been to the gunfire.

Another shopper said she was near the incident with her children when the gun went off. She described hearing yelling and screaming as she was taking her children toward the car.

Those accounts reflect the uncertainty shoppers faced in the moments immediately following the gunshot, before police were able to determine what had happened.

Lafayette Police Say Shooting Was Accidental

Lafayette Police confirmed the gunfire came from an accidental discharge of a firearm being carried inside the store.

Police said the man carrying the weapon was injured and taken to a hospital for treatment. His injuries were not considered life-threatening, and he is expected to survive.

Despite the initial panic caused by the sound of gunfire inside a crowded retail store, police said no one else was struck or injured.

Incident Sparks Conversation About Carrying Firearms In Public

The incident quickly generated discussion on social media, particularly about safely carrying and handling firearms in crowded public spaces.

Several people responding to posts about the shooting said they had been inside the Walmart, had recently left the store or had family members working there when the gun went off.

While this incident was determined to be accidental, the immediate reaction from shoppers illustrates how quickly a single gunshot inside a public place can create fear and confusion.

Fortunately, no shoppers or employees were injured.