The shooting occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. ET in a Publix store in the 1100 block of Royal Palm Beach Boulevard in Royal Palm Beach, about 15 miles west of Palm Beach, officials said.
Officers arrived at the scene to find three individuals, including one adult female and one child, had died from gunshot wounds.
Authorities identified the victims as a woman and her grandson, who would have turned two at the end of the month, and said their names would not be released at the family’s request.
Officials said there is currently no known motive or relationship between this gunman and his victims.
Detectives are now investigating the incident and are in the beginning stages of determining what led up to the shooting.
One shopper who was in the supermarket’s deli area when the incident took place recalled hearing gun shots and employees screaming.
“Our thoughts are with those who are impacted by this tragedy,” Publix said. “We are cooperating with the local law enforcement. Since this is an active police investigation, we cannot confirm any additional details.”
“We’ve become too numb to gun violence,” she said. “Today we mourn the loss of these lives and we pray for those inside of Publix who witnessed this tragedy as well as the first responders who continue to run toward danger to protect the public. Tomorrow we must step up and engage in a very honest conversation about why this happened and what can do specifically to prevent this violence. Inaction is not an option.”
At a news conference, sheriff’s spokeswoman Teri Barbera said detectives were interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance-camera video. The store would remained closed until Saturday.
The gunman, Omar Mateen, was later killed by police after a three-hour standoff.
