Minneapolis’ Mall of America was placed on lockdown after hundreds of youths broke into a riot at the food court.
Initial reports and a YouTube video placed the source of the riot on Drake and Lil’ Wayne, although officials have since said that the celebrities were not involved.
The riot had the earmarks of a flash mob, due to the number of youths involved (200), the use of cellphones (for coordination), and the alleged smash-and-grab crimes that took place during the fight.
Shopper Makenzie Shofner told reporters that she “saw a massive group of people [on the first floor], It looked like they were trying to pull people’s stuff out of their bags.”
Coldwater Creek store employees shuttled customers to the stock room safety. Apple locked down its store.
Shoppers didn’t immediately recognize the melee because screams are common at the Mall of America, as there is a roller coaster in the center of the mall.
Mall of America officials are still tallying the damage.
