Prince William County Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge, Virginia, at approximately 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The incident occurred in the parking lot near the Burlington Coat Factory store in the 2700 block of Potomac Mills Circle. The large outlet mall, located off Interstate 95 at exit 156, was busy with evening shoppers when the shooting took place.
Multiple 911 callers reported shots fired outside the mall, prompting a heavy police response. Officers arrived and quickly located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound in the parking lot area near Burlington. The victim was found unresponsive, and CPR was initiated by bystanders or first responders before paramedics took over.
Prince William County Fire and Rescue personnel transported the man to a local trauma center, likely Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge. Despite life-saving efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the hospital. His identity and age have not been publicly released, pending family notification.
The shooting appeared isolated to the parking lot outside Burlington Coat Factory, with no active shooter threat inside the mall. Police secured the 2700 block of Potomac Mills Circle, establishing a crime scene and closing off portions of the parking area. Shoppers were advised to avoid the southeast side of the mall during the response.
Prince William County Police Department detectives processed the scene for evidence, including shell casings and potential surveillance footage from the mall and nearby businesses. The investigation remains active, with authorities interviewing witnesses and reviewing video to determine the circumstances and identify any suspects. No arrests had been announced in the initial updates.
The incident has shaken the Woodbridge community and Potomac Mills visitors, raising concerns about safety in the large shopping center’s parking lots. The mall reopened normal operations after the scene was cleared, but the loss of life has left a somber impact on the area near Interstate 95 and Potomac Mills Circle. Police urge anyone with information to contact the non-emergency line or Crime Solvers.