Oaks Mall shooter arrested for illegal firearm possession

19-year-old Elijah Levin Williams charged with concealed carry violation and probation violation

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Elijah Levin Williams, 19, was arrested after allegedly firing a gun inside a jewelry store at the Oaks Mall in Gainesville, Florida. Williams, who is on probation and prohibited from possessing firearms, was charged with illegally carrying a concealed firearm and violating his probation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in shopping malls, as well as the challenges of enforcing firearm restrictions on individuals with prior criminal records who are on probation.

The details

According to police, Williams took a woman to Kay Jewelers to get a ring resized when three other men followed them into the store. An argument escalated into a physical fight, and Williams allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband and fired one round, hitting a jewelry case. The four men then fled the mall, and Williams was later apprehended. Police found the pistol in a nearby pond.

  • The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. on February 14, 2026.
  • Williams was arrested and charged on February 14, 2026.

The players

Elijah Levin Williams

A 19-year-old man who was arrested for illegally carrying a concealed firearm and violating his probation.

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What’s next

Williams is being held on $250,000 bail for the new charge, and he will remain in custody until the probation violation is resolved.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of gun laws, particularly for individuals on probation, in order to prevent further acts of violence and protect public safety in community spaces like shopping malls.