Seven arrested after Willowbrook Mall fight erupts into gunfire chaos

🔴 Gunfire sparks chaos at Willowbrook Mall as massive fight sends shoppers fleeing

🔴 7 suspects from Paterson arrested, including juveniles and a 62-year-old woman

🔴 New “inciting a public brawl” law plays a key role in charges

WAYNE — Police have announced seven arrests after a massive fight at a North Jersey mall that sent shoppers running for their lives.

At least one person fired a gun in the food court of the Willowbrook Mall on Dec. 30, 2025, according to Wayne police. Investigators found that the weapon used was a stolen handgun.

Wayne police described it as a "chaotic scene." Video posted on social media showed police swarming the mall around 7 p.m. as the building was evacuated. NJ Transit trains to the mall were delayed and people were advised to avoid the area.

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Two young adults and one juvenile were arrested at the mall that night, thanks to a witness and surveillance footage. On Friday, police arrested four more people, including a 62-year-old woman. All seven suspects are from Paterson.

Of the seven people arrested, six are charged with inciting a public brawl. The new fourth-degree crime, created last year in response to similar fights, carries a sentence of up to 18 months in prison.

Who was charged in the Willowbrook Mall fight

Kayson McCaskill, 18 — Charged with inciting a public brawl, simple assault, riot involving a firearm, risking widespread injury, unlawful possession of a handgun, receiving stolen property, possession of a large capacity magazine, underage possession of a handgun, and community gun.

Unidentified juvenile, 17 — Charged with riot involving a firearm, simple assault, inciting a public brawl, risking widespread injury, evidence tampering, and possession of a large capacity magazine.

Wilhelmina Kelson, 62 — Charged with hindering apprehension.

Unidentified juvenile, 17 — Charged with inciting a public brawl, riot involving a firearm, simple assault, terroristic threats, risking widespread injury, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, underage possession of a handgun, and community gun.

Ashir Walker, 18 — Charged with inciting a public brawl, simple assault, and disorderly conduct.

Kashjeme Powell, 18 — Charged with inciting a public brawl, simple assault, and disorderly conduct.

Unidentified juvenile, 17 — Charged with inciting a public brawl, simple assault, and disorderly conduct.

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