In the latest breaking news, earlier today there was a shooting at a shopping mall in Columbia, Md. where three people were later found dead by police. One of the victims is believed to be the shooter although it is unknown whether he committed suicide or was shot by police officers.

Witnesses said that the gun was a shotgun, and employees of the mall heard gunshots and saw at least one body on the ground. It was reported that several people could be seen covering up a body and trying to assist a wounded person.

Dozens of shoppers took refuge inside a Bank of America while police rushed to the scene. The mall was put on lockdown after the shooting and it remains unclear how many others might have been injured. Witnesses saw workers walking out of the mall with their hands in the air, leading police to believe there may be more than one shooter. Police are in the mall now with K9 units.

Police said the first 911 call was received at 11:15 a.m. Police sent out a tweet to tell people to avoid the area and to take safety and await assistance from security forces. It is as of yet unknown what was the motive of the shooter or the nature of his relationship to the other two victims. Police said they had not received reports of additional shots heard following the initial burst of gunfire, meaning that the scenario might have ended with the shooter's suicide and will not be a protracted hostage-style situation.

"Right now, a number of police agencies are responding here," a witness said. "It's a very active scene. A lot of SWAT team members, heavily armed police." As of this writing, the mall is on lockdown and police are working to secure the area.