Garden State Plaza Open For Business Wednesday

A night that was labeled as “extremely sad” by Paramus Mayor Rich LaBarbiera could have been much worse. Rich Shoop, 20-year-old Teaneck man, entered the Westfield Garden State Plaza with a loaded rifle. Shoop fired at least six rounds in the concourse area, injuring no one, but took his own life in a mall storage area.

“I think it’s extremely sad that a 20-year-old individual chose to take this path last night,” said LaBarbiera. “I just scratch my head. Not just as a mayor, but as a parent. I’m thankful and appreciative that he didn’t harm anybody but it’s also a tragedy.”

Police were evacuating employees and customers who had gone into hiding in various stores past 3 a.m. The mall was turned back over to Westfield management at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday and plans to open their doors Wednesday.

The mall will open to retailers and their employees only beginning at 6 a.m. so they can prepare their stores and collect any personal items left behind. Customers are welcomed back at 10 a.m. and all entrances are expected to be available. 

“It’s a good thing whenever we can return to normalcy. I walked the mall this morning and had seen the impact and damage. It was minimal,” said LaBarbiera. “If anything there was more damage from the forced entries to stores where people were hiding and refusing to open the gates. I’m sure that Westfield will make sure that everything is fixed and I’m certain that together with our police department they will ensure the safety of mall visitors."

According to a statement from Westfield, the vast majority of stores will be open but some areas of the mall sustained damage during the law enforcement search and necessary repairs are being made.

“We are grateful to law enforcement for their response and for keeping everyone safe,” said Bryan Gaus, Westfield Garden State Plaza General Manager. “The Paramus community has been incredible and the center and our retailers are appreciative. We look forward to expressing our thanks to employees, retailers and shoppers in the days ahead.”