Update: just before posting, I’m seeing an update that the man was not in possession of a Concealed Handgun Permit, and was cited with “discharging a firearm in the city limits and carrying a concealed weapon”. Regardless, y’all still might find the information below interesting/useful.

Update 2: WRAL has now verified that some entrances to the mall are not marked with the “no weapons” policy

On Saturday at the Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, the noise of a ladder falling was reportedly the catalyst for an active shooter scare which sent patrons fleeing for cover. According to the Raleigh Police, at least one person was injured: an adult male who “accidentally shot himself” with his concealed weapon while “moving toward safety.” To be clear, it’s being claimed that this gunshot was a result of the panic, not the cause.

Raleigh Police @raleighpolice

News release regarding incident at Crabtree Valley Mall:

3:43 AM ∙ Feb 26, 2023

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North Carolina General Statute § 14-415.11 (c)(8) states that concealed carry on private property can be forbidden by a “conspicuous notice or statement”. As WRAL reports:

The mall clearly states that firearms are not allowed on property.

“In fact, it is against the law. Even if you have a carry and conceal permit to carry it in to a public place like that, it is clearly posted for people not to bring firearms in," says Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.

Although the Crabtree Valley Mall’s online “Code of Conduct” does contain a prohibition on weapons, I’ve found forum posts over a span of ten years claiming that the no-weapons notices at the mall entrances are either inconspicuous or not present:

While North Carolina’s statute is someone vague, some other states have much more explicit standards posting requirement for no-gun or no-concealed carry zones. For instance, Texas Penal Code 30.05 (c) includes the requirements that notice be posted at each entrance and use letters at least 1 inch tall.

If a permitted North Carolina concealed carrier does violate § 14-415.11 (c)(8) by carrying a concealed weapon at conspicuously marked private premises, the offense is an infraction, with a maximum fine of $500, which he can avoid by surrendering his permit.

This is a developing story. If any of y’all have further information, please reach out via email.