Second-Degree Assault Charges Filed Against Gunman in Mall of America Shooting That Injured 2 People

 

Kahlil Wiley; photo: Bloomington police

This story sure disappeared quickly.

18-year-old Kahlil Wiley was arrested and charged with 2 felony counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon in the Mall of America shooting on New Year’s Eve.

Two people were injured on December 31 after a ‘shooting incident’ at the Mall of America in Minnesota.

The Mall of America is a ‘gun free zone’ – guns are banned on its premises.

According to the complaint filed, the shooting started after two males began to chase Wiley on the third floor of the mall.

In a post-Miranda statement, Wiley told law enforcement he shot the victims because he got “scared” when the two men started to close in on him.

WCCO reported:

Charges have been filed against the suspected gunman in the Mall of America shooting that left two people injured on New Year’s Eve.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office on Thursday charged 18-year-old Kahlil Markell Wiley of St. Paul with two felony counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to the shooting.

According to the criminal complaint, prior to the shooting, the victim who was shot in the leg was upset with Wiley over a previous incident. When the victim saw Wiley on the third floor of the mall, the victim and his friend started to chase Wiley.

Wiley at one point turned around, pulled out a handgun and then shot the victim in the leg, the complaint said.

Investigators recovered a single discharged shell casing at the scene and determined Wiley fired a single gunshot.

The bullet struck the victim’s leg, exited his leg, ricocheted off a metal railing and then grazed the second victim’s shoulder.

“This kind of dangerous, brazen behavior caused the injury of two people. Given how crowded the mall was with patrons, including young children with their families, I am surprised and relieved there weren’t more victims,” Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman stated. “This is a matter our office takes very seriously, and since Mr. Wiley fired a gun in the presence of children, we will be seeking an upward sentencing departure. Ultimately, we are seeking a greater sentence for Mr. Wiley due to the egregiousness of his actions.”

Wiley faces 7 years in prison and or a $14,000 fine, however prosecutors are seeking a greater sentence due to the “egregiousness of his actions.”