Pasco County, FL - In a state of panic and confusion, authorities in Pasco County responded swiftly to reports of an active shooter at Tampa Premium Outlets on Sunday evening. However, after a thorough investigation, officials have confirmed that there is "no evidence" of an active shooting incident.

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office received multiple calls around 4:30 p.m. reporting a shooting at the mall, triggered by a triggered fire alarm. Law enforcement swiftly arrived at the scene and took immediate action to secure the area and ensure the safety of shoppers and employees.

While the initial reports led authorities to believe that there was an active shooter present, further investigations revealed that there was no evidence to support such claims. It was later determined that the only injuries sustained were unrelated medical events and minor injuries that occurred due to the rush of individuals following the initial report.

Sheriff Chris Nocco addressed the media, stating, "We take all reports of shootings very seriously and will respond with the utmost urgency to ensure public safety. In this case, we are relieved to report that there was no active shooter and that everyone is safe."

The swift response and coordination of law enforcement agencies, including the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and emergency medical services, ensured that the situation was quickly contained and resolved.

As the incident unfolded, shoppers and employees at Tampa Premium Outlets commended the professionalism and swift actions of the authorities. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and reporting any suspicious activity promptly.

Pasco County officials stressed the need for the public to remain calm and follow directions in situations like this. It was evident that the initial reports sparked panic in the mall, leading to a rush of individuals trying to evacuate the premises. Such incidents highlight the importance of maintaining calm and allowing authorities to assess the situation and provide proper guidance.

Despite the false alarm, authorities acknowledge the seriousness of any potential threat and the need to continue optimizing response procedures to ensure public safety. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire alarm triggering false reports of an active shooter.

In the aftermath of the incident, Tampa Premium Outlets has reopened, and authorities have reassured the public that it is safe to visit the mall.