I checked Google map and it appears that Walmart is west of the mall and separated by a street. Also reporters kept saying that Walmart was “near to the mall.”
However Simon Corp. is the owner of the mall.
“Possession of any weapon at Simon malls, whether concealed or displayed openly, is in violation of mall policy. This policy is intended first and foremost to maintain a safe, secure and comfortable environment at our malls, which has always been our top priority, and to avoid any situation that could potentially place at risk the safety of our shoppers and employees.
Simon malls are private property, and like virtually every other facility in the community that is accessible by the public, ownership/management has the right to prohibit the possession of weapons, both displayed or concealed, other than licensed weapons carried by law enforcement personnel.
Julie Rigby – Longview Mall Manager”
So the question is that Walmart part of the mall? If a person buys a rifle there and walks out with it is he not “armed?”
UPDATE: I just checked that Walmart and they are selling nothing but airguns and firearm accessories.
I can’t bring up any firearms for sale.
Walmart Corporate says the Walmart and nearby Sams Club are located in the Cielo Vista Mall in their statement on the shooting. So I guess that settles the question.