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Omaha Mall Reopens Under Heavy Security

Van Maur store, where the shooter opened fire, remains closed

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 8, 2007 12:35 PM CST

(Newser) – The Omaha mall where 19-year-old Robert Hawkins unleashed his killing spree re-opened for business today under tighter security, the AP reports. “I came in here and I was wondering how I would feel about it,” the mayor said, “but I feel fine.” The Von Maur store where Hawkins actually opened fire remains closed indefinitely.

Greeting shoppers, the mayor promised a safe mall for shoppers and help for retailers trying to recapture holiday momentum. “We have a lot of officers on duty, and they will be on duty all day long,” he said. While there is no schedule for reopening the Von Maur store, a company spokeswoman said it would be soon.

An Omaha police car drives by an entrance to the Westroads Mall Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, in Omaha, Neb. The mall was reopened Saturday after eight people were killed and five wounded in a shooting attack before the gunman, Robert Hawkins, took his own life Wednesday inside the the Von...
An Omaha police car drives by an entrance to the Westroads Mall Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, in Omaha, Neb. The mall was reopened Saturday after eight people were killed and five wounded in a shooting attack...   (Associated Press)
A young girl walks toward the closed entrance to the Von Maur department store inside the Westroads Mall as others decorate the entrance Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, in Omaha, Neb. Eight people were killed and five wounded in a shooting attack before the gunman, Robert Hawkins, took his own life...
A young girl walks toward the closed entrance to the Von Maur department store inside the Westroads Mall as others decorate the entrance Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, in Omaha, Neb. Eight people were killed...   (Associated Press)
Private security officer Ben Calder patrols outside the the food court of the Westroads Mall near the Von Maur Department Store in Omaha, Neb., Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007. Neb. Eight people were killed and five wounded in a shooting attack before the gunman, Robert Hawkins, took his own life Wednesday...
Private security officer Ben Calder patrols outside the the food court of the Westroads Mall near the Von Maur Department Store in Omaha, Neb., Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007. Neb. Eight people were killed and...   (Associated Press)
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