Burlington’s Cascade Mall, site of fatal shooting, to honor first responders

BURLINGTON – A heavy police and fire presence is expected at Cascade Mall today, but people should not be alarmed, officials said. The mall, Macy’s and the city of Burlington are hosting an open house for first responders of the Sept. 23 shooting at Macy’s.

More than 200 officers from about 26 local, state and federal agencies responded to the shooting, which left three women, a man and a teenage girl dead.

“(The first responders’) last experience with the mall was not a positive one,” Burlington City Administrator Bryan Harrison said. “We want to make a positive one.”

The mall will remain open for shoppers, but the Children’s Museum of Skagit County will be closed for the event, Harrison said.

“It’s another sign of really how professional and caring Cascade Mall is,” he said.

Burlington Mayor Steve Sexton called the event an opportunity for healing.

“The whole thing has been a process for the community,” he said. “I think for any process, it’s healthy to have a period for when those who are most affected can say thank you to those who responded to a call for help.”

The event will be from 4 to 9 p.m.