A 19-year-old free on bail opened fire inside a Connecticut mall, injuring five, raising urgent questions about bail reform, gun access, and public safety accountability.
At a Glance
- Suspect Tajuan Washington was out on $20,000 bail for reckless driving when he allegedly shot five people at Brass Mill Center
- The shooting stemmed from a personal dispute and involved a .40-caliber handgun still missing
- Washington now faces multiple felony charges and is held on $2 million bond
- Victims include one person seriously injured, though all are expected to recover
- The case reignites debate over Connecticut’s bail and criminal justice policies
Personal Grudge Sparks Public Violence
On a quiet Tuesday afternoon, Waterbury’s Brass Mill Center turned chaotic when Tajuan Washington, already facing unrelated charges, allegedly drew a semi-automatic pistol and fired seven rounds at a group he knew, injuring five. According to authorities, the altercation was not random but part of an ongoing dispute between Washington and another young man.
Surveillance footage helped identify the suspect, who was arrested at home hours later. Police matched ammunition found at the scene to rounds found in Washington’s residence. The firearm used in the shooting remains unaccounted for.
Watch a report: Suspect identified in Brass Mill Center shooting
Washington now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree assault, criminal use of a weapon, and risk of injury to a minor. His bond has been increased tenfold—to $2 million—highlighting the gravity of the charges.
Bail System Under Fire Again
Critics argue this violent episode was both predictable and preventable. Washington had previously evaded police at over 100 mph, yet was allowed into a probation program for first-time offenders. His freedom allowed him to bring a loaded firearm into a public space to settle a score—a decision many say reflects systemic failure.
Governor Ned Lamont, who visited the scene, expressed disbelief at the swiftness of the violence, stating, “Someone pulls out a semiautomatic and shoots seven rounds and badly wounds five people like that — just like that.” Yet his remarks offered little on why Washington was free in the first place.
Instead, Lamont encouraged the public to return to the mall and “not be afraid.” For many, this rang hollow amid growing concerns about repeat offenders and ineffective deterrence.
Crime, Compassion, and Consequences
Washington’s attorney is reportedly exploring a self-defense claim. But according to police and Waterbury’s mayor, “It was in effect two young men who knew each other, had a history and a past.” The broader question remains: why was someone with a track record of risky behavior trusted not to reoffend?
This case reignites tensions around Connecticut’s criminal justice reforms. While aimed at reducing mass incarceration and offering second chances, critics argue leniency too often endangers the public when applied indiscriminately.
As the victims recover and the legal process unfolds, the spotlight remains on a system that—once again—seemed to ignore the warnings. Whether this will prompt meaningful reform or more political rhetoric remains to be seen. For now, the community of Waterbury is left shaken, and five families are left wondering if this could have been stopped.
