WESTMINSTER, Calif. (KABC) — The Westminster Mall, which officially closed its doors in October 2025, has become a growing safety concern as trespassers continue breaking into the abandoned property and vandalizing the interior.
Instead of shoppers, the once-thriving mall is now drawing curious onlookers and vandals, leaving behind shattered glass, flooding and extensive damage throughout the building.
Donny Mohler, who previously worked at the mall’s Vans store, said he decided to look inside last weekend after noticing an opening near the food court. He recorded what he found and posted the video to TikTok, where it quickly went viral.
“It’s just very sad, especially seeing the Vans store, which I worked at,” Mohler said. “It was heartbreaking.”
Inside, Mohler described widespread destruction and dangerous conditions.
“I just saw destruction everywhere,” he said. “It’s not a safe situation to be in.”
Video from inside the mall shows broken glass scattered across floors, debris throughout walkways and water pooling inside parts of the building.
A space that once housed dozens of stores and served as a gathering place for the community, and provided Mohler with his first job, is now barely recognizable.
Mohler’s video along with others have since drawn the attention of city officials, the mall’s ownership and law enforcement.
Westminster Police Department Cmdr. Andy Stowers said officers are increasing enforcement and taking a zero-tolerance approach to trespassing.
“They are putting up more and more signage, they’re putting up barriers to prevent people from going inside,” Stowers said. “And right now, our stance is we’re going to arrest you if you go inside and we’re able to catch you.”
Police say since the weekend, officers have responded to 57 calls for service at the mall and have made 30 arrests. Authorities stress that even entering the property out of curiosity is considered trespassing and poses serious safety risks.
While the future of the mall remains uncertain, some residents hope the site could eventually be redeveloped into an outdoor retail and entertainment space.
“There’s one in Long Beach with a similar outdoor concept where you walk in and out of stores and open areas,” said Huntington Beach resident Jack Cunningham. “I think that’s really cool.”
For now, like most malls across America, Westminster Mall stands as a relic of the past.
“It’s nostalgia for us,” Mohler said. “Whether it’s like the bookstore, the music store or the movie theater… it’s a lot of good times, a lot of good memories.”
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