Five Injured in Targeted Brass Mill Center Shooting: Suspect Identified as 19-Year-Old Tajuan Washington, Out on Bond for Prior Felony Charge

WATERBURY, Conn. –
On Tuesday afternoon, chaos erupted at the Brass Mill Center shopping mall in Waterbury, Connecticut, when a young man allegedly opened fire in what authorities have described as a targeted attack, leaving five people wounded and prompting a swift law enforcement response that concluded with the suspect’s arrest.

Officials have now identified the suspect as 19-year-old Tajuan Washington, a Waterbury resident who was already out on bond for a previous high-speed reckless driving offense. The shocking incident occurred in a heavily-trafficked commercial area and has drawn renewed attention to public safety concerns, bail reform issues, and youth violence in Connecticut’s urban communities.

Sequence of Events: What Happened at Brass Mill Center

According to reports released by Waterbury Police Chief Fred Spagnolo and Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. during a Wednesday morning press conference, the shooting unfolded shortly after 3:00 p.m. near the central food court area of the Brass Mill Center, a mall that typically serves as a gathering place for families, shoppers, and teenagers, especially after school hours.

Authorities said that surveillance footage and witness accounts indicate the suspect, Washington, was seen entering the mall and quickly engaging in a heated verbal altercation with another male individual—someone police believe he had a longstanding conflict with.

“This was not a random shooting. This was a continuation of a feud,” said Chief Spagnolo. “It escalated in the worst possible way.”

As the confrontation intensified, Washington allegedly brandished a firearm and opened fire, injuring five individuals—some of whom were unintended targets caught in the line of fire. Panic ensued among shoppers and store employees, many of whom fled or locked down their stores in accordance with mall security protocols.

Within minutes of the first reports of gunfire, Waterbury Police units arrived on the scene, securing the area and evacuating hundreds of mall patrons. Paramedics provided urgent first aid to victims, three of whom were later discharged from Saint Mary’s Hospital and Waterbury Hospital that evening. The two remaining victims are currently listed in stable condition and are expected to recover.

Victims’ Identities Withheld

As of this writing, authorities have chosen not to publicly release the names of the five individuals injured in the shooting. Out of respect for the privacy of the victims and their families, no further personal details have been disclosed, including the nature of their injuries or whether they were connected to the suspect or the intended target.

What has been confirmed is that at least two of the victims were bystanders with no involvement in the conflict. The youngest victim is believed to be 17 years old, according to preliminary hospital admission records cited by local media.

“We are praying for the swift and full recovery of every individual harmed during this senseless act of violence,” said Mayor Pernerewski. “And we are deeply grateful to the first responders whose quick actions likely prevented an even greater tragedy.”

The Suspect: A Troubled Past and Pending Charges

The suspect, Tajuan Washington, had been free on bond from a previous arrest that occurred in October of the prior year. In that case, he was charged with reckless endangerment and traffic violations after he was caught driving at 105 miles per hour on Interstate 84 East—with his headlights off, a reckless and highly dangerous act that prompted public outrage at the time.

He was released on a $25,000 bond while awaiting trial, and it remains unclear what judicial oversight was in place during the intervening months.

In the wake of Tuesday’s shooting, Washington was taken into custody at the scene without incident. Police confirmed he did not attempt to flee the area and surrendered shortly after officers arrived. He is now facing five counts of first-degree assault, in addition to firearm possession by a felon, reckless endangerment, and carrying a pistol without a permit.

His bond has been set at $2 million, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday afternoon. Court records will determine whether bail will be revoked in connection with his previous charges.

Community Response and Safety Reassurances

Waterbury residents have reacted with a mix of fear, concern, and frustration. The Brass Mill Center is a community hub, especially on weekdays when students congregate there after school hours. Several parents voiced their anxiety about sending children to public areas following the shooting.

Mall security has been bolstered in the wake of the incident, with both uniformed police officers and undercover units temporarily stationed at the Brass Mill Center to reassure the public and deter further violence.

Mayor Pernerewski took the opportunity during the press conference to affirm that “this was not a random act of mass violence,” and that it stemmed from a personal vendetta. He stated emphatically, “This was a one-off incident. The public should know that the mall is secure and safe for business.”

Nonetheless, local officials have said they will be conducting a comprehensive safety audit of the Brass Mill Center, which will include a review of its security infrastructure, camera placement, emergency protocols, and its coordination with law enforcement.

A Closer Look at Youth Crime and Bail Reform in Connecticut

This shooting has reignited conversations around youth crime, gun violence, and judicial leniency in the state of Connecticut. Critics of the current bond system argue that Washington should not have been released after a reckless driving incident that endangered dozens of lives.

Several community leaders are now calling for a review of bail policies, particularly for individuals under 21 who have been previously charged with violent or high-risk offenses.

Rev. Harold McCray of Waterbury’s First Missionary Baptist Church commented: “We are seeing the cost of soft justice. A young man who already put lives in danger was given a second chance—and he used it to cause more harm.”

Advocates for criminal justice reform caution against sweeping generalizations. “While this case is tragic, it’s important to remember that pretrial release is not a license to commit violence. The system must improve at identifying true risk to the community,” said Melanie Lopez, a criminal justice researcher based in Hartford.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance

Waterbury Police have stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and they are currently reviewing hours of surveillance footage from inside the mall to reconstruct the full timeline of the incident. Investigators are also collecting eyewitness testimony and have encouraged anyone with information or mobile phone video from the scene to come forward.

“We are leaving no stone unturned,” Chief Spagnolo said. “If anyone saw anything—no matter how small—it could help us understand exactly how this situation developed and how we can prevent something like it in the future.”

Authorities are particularly interested in locating the second male involved in the original dispute with Washington. He has not yet been identified publicly and may hold key information about the motive behind the confrontation.

Moving Forward: Healing and Reflection

While the physical wounds suffered by the victims will heal in time, the emotional and psychological toll on the community remains. A vigil is being planned for Thursday evening in the mall parking lot, where faith leaders, victims’ families, and concerned citizens will gather in a show of unity and healing.

School counselors and mental health professionals have been dispatched to local schools to offer support to students who may have witnessed the incident or been affected by its proximity.

“The goal now,” said Mayor Pernerewski, “is not just to hold the individual responsible accountable, but to address the broader questions of how and why these kinds of conflicts escalate to gun violence—and what we can do as a community to stop it.”

As Waterbury continues to process the events of May 27, 2025, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragile line between public safety and violence—and of the urgency of both intervention and prevention when it comes to young offenders, community resources, and responsible policing.

If you have any information regarding the shooting at the Brass Mill Center, please contact the Waterbury Police Department at (203) 574-6920. Tips can be submitted anonymously.