4 In Your Corner reached out to multiple officials representing the Bell Tower Shops Thursday to find out if they will improve security at the mall after a deadly shooting.
Two people were killed and two others hospitalized in what officials say was a domestic dispute that turned violent.
On the night of the shooting, Bell Tower officials asked us to leave the mall as soon as Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marcino delivered a statement about the incident.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with all who have been affected by this tragedy,” mall officials said in statement.
But they did not respond to multiple calls by Fox 4 on Thursday. We were asking about whether there will be more security in time for an event taking place October 13th.
“Pumptober” is an outdoor beer festival taking place at the Bell Tower.
We also called and emailed the organizers of that event, the Ft. Myers Chamber of Commerce, but have yet to hear back.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office declined to tell us if they will staff extra deputies at the event because they do not want to reveal their security plans to the public, in case someone wants to cause harm.
**UPDATE (10/12)** -- Bell Tower Shops released the following statement on Friday:
Bell Tower Shops is committed to ensuring safety for our property, tenants, employees and guests. Together with center security and local law enforcement, we collaborate through proper staffing, training, planning and communication to provide a safe and prepared environment. To maintain the safety of the property, Bell Tower Shops cannot release details on confidential security measures that the center implements on a daily basis.
As we would for any large community event, in addition to dedicated center security, we will have officers from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office on-site for Saturday’s craft beer festival, Pumptober-Fest. We welcome the community to come together to support the Greater Fort Myers Chamber Foundation’s mission to raise money to support education in Lee County. The funds raised directly benefit local students and advancing business professionals, providing grants for teachers, special programs for classrooms, scholarships for local students, and development for aspiring entrepreneurs.
