Victims of Maryland mall shooting identified as Brianna Benlolo, 21, and Tyler Johnson, 25

Prayers go out to the families of dead!

USA Todayreports a gunman opened fire in a crowded suburban shopping mall Saturday, leaving three people dead and setting off panic as hundreds of fear-stricken shoppers and mall employees raced for cover.

The suspect, armed with a shotgun, was among the victims at The Mall in Columbia, Howard County Police Chief Bill McMahon said. Police said a fourth victim was being treated for a gunshot wound to the foot. Four other people either suffered from medical conditions or suffered minor injuries such as twisted ankles, he said.

Brianna Benlolo, 21, of College Park, Md., and Tyler Johnson, 25, of Ellicott City, Md., were killed, police said. The identity of the gunman had not been released.

McMahon said the bodies were found in Zumiez, an apparel store catering to skaters, surfers and snowboarders, on the mall's upper level. Benlolo and Johnson were employees of the store, he said. The shooter's body was found still laden with ammunition, so McMahon said caution was being used.

Photos from the scene courtesy of the Hufington Post