A false report of gunfire at Opry Mills Mall in Nashville caused widespread panic, leading shoppers to flee or shelter in place. The commotion stemmed from a domestic dispute at a restaurant, but no evidence of actual gunfire was found.

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NASHVILLE, TN (3-Minute Read) — A chaotic scene unfolded at Opry Mills Mall on Saturday afternoon after reports of gunfire spread fear among shoppers. However, Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) later confirmed that no shots were actually fired.

The panic began around 2:15 p.m. when a fight broke out inside the Chili’s restaurant. According to police, a woman entered the restaurant and attacked her boyfriend, who was working there. The altercation spilled outside, and loud noises—possibly from plates or chairs dropping—led to widespread fear that a shooting was taking place. Shoppers fled the mall, some falling in the process, while others sheltered in place as security personnel rushed to respond.

BREAKING: A fight in Opry Mills Mall has caused a rushed mass exodus of the building. Contrary to rumor, the MNPD thus far has no evidence of any gunfire. Police & @NashvilleFD remain on the scene investigating.

— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) February 1, 2025

Despite numerous 911 calls reporting gunshots, MNPD found no evidence of gunfire. Nevertheless, law enforcement treated the situation with urgency, evacuating the mall and conducting a thorough search. The Nashville Fire Department (NFD) reported minor injuries from falls and anxiety-related symptoms, but no one required hospitalization.

While authorities confirmed that no shooting had occurred, many witnesses still claimed to have heard what sounded like gunfire. Shoppers in the food court described hearing “seven pops” before security officers ran through the mall with firearms drawn. The Tennessee Department of Transportation briefly shut down both exits to the mall as a precaution while police investigated.

What Should You Do in a Mall Panic as an Armed Citizen?

If you were present at the scene, your first priority should be personal safety and protecting your loved ones. Here are key steps to take:

1. Assess the Situation: Avoid assuming gunfire unless you see an active threat. Loud noises can be mistaken for gunshots.
2. Seek Cover, Not Just Concealment: If in immediate danger, take cover behind solid objects (e.g., concrete pillars or store counters) that can stop bullets.
3. Do Not Draw Your Firearm Unless Necessary: If you’re a legally armed citizen, only present your firearm if there is an undeniable active threat. Drawing a firearm in confusion could lead to unintended consequences, including being mistaken for a threat by police.
4. Exit If Safe, Shelter If Necessary: If an escape route is clear, leave the area. If not, shelter in place and stay quiet.
5. Follow Law Enforcement Commands: Once police arrive, keep your hands visible and comply with instructions to avoid being perceived as a threat.

While this situation at Opry Mills Mall turned out to be a false alarm, it serves as a reminder of how quickly fear can spread in public places. Staying aware of your surroundings and knowing how to respond in emergencies is critical, whether you’re an armed citizen or not.

Safety Tip: If you carry a firearm for self-defense, train for real-world scenarios. Knowing when to act—and when not to—is just as important as firearm proficiency. Consider taking a force-on-force training class to practice decision-making under stress.