UPDATE, November 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.:
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 16-year-old in connection with Wednesday evening's shooting at the Brandon Exchange, charging him with attempted first-degree murder.
The investigation began on November 11, 2026, at 5:16 p.m., after our 911 Dispatch Center received multiple calls reporting shots fired inside the mall. More than 100 deputies responded, with the first deputy arriving just one minute after being dispatched.
As deputies secured the scene and evacuated businesses, detectives began investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Through witness interviews and surveillance footage, detectives determined that a physical altercation between two groups occurred in a hallway near the mall's family room. After the altercation, several individuals ran into the mall's main corridor. One individual was knocked to the ground, and another individual, identified as Daeshaun Williams, 16, began firing a handgun.
Through investigative means, Williams was identified as the suspect. He is now facing several charges:
- Minor in Possession of Firearm (2nd Offense)
- Trespass in Occupied Structure or Conveyance
- Discharge Firearm in Public or on Residential Property
- Attempted Aggravated Battery Great Bodily Harm Firearm - Discharge
- Attempted Murder in the First Degree Premeditated Firearm - Discharge
- Tampering With Physical Evidence
- Child Violation of Probation
No gunshot wounds were reported. One person sustained a minor injury from broken glass.
While this was an isolated incident between individuals known to one another, detectives continue working to confirm the identities of the other people involved in the altercation that preceded the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing.
ORIGINAL RELEASE, November 11, 2026:
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating after reports of shots fired at the Brandon Exchange on Wednesday evening, prompting an immediate response from more than 100 deputies.
The 911 Dispatch Center received the first call at 5:16 p.m. Five additional calls came in between 5:17 p.m. and 5:18 p.m., reporting a possible shooter near the Verizon store.
Deputies were dispatched at 5:17 p.m., and the first deputy arrived just one minute later. As additional deputies arrived, they immediately began securing the scene and clearing businesses throughout the mall to ensure the safety of patrons and employees.
More than 100 deputies responded, including members of the K-9 Unit, Drone Response Team, and Aviation Unit, working together to secure the area and conduct an extensive search of the mall.
Preliminary investigation determined that an altercation between two groups of people occurred before shots were fired. Surveillance footage showed the individuals leaving the mall as deputies arrived.
No one was shot during this incident. A store window was shattered and as a result, one employee inside the store sustained a minor cut.
Detectives have determined this was an isolated incident, and there is no known threat to the public.
"The response to this incident shows the strength and commitment of our team,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This was an isolated incident between two groups, and our detectives will remain vigilant until those responsible are identified and arrested."
The investigation remains ongoing. The Public Affairs Office will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
