Six Years After Mall of America Horror, Landen’s Story Is Nothing Short of a Miracle

It was one of those stories that stopped Minnesotans in their tracks. Six years ago on April 12, 2019, a 5-year-old boy named Landen was thrown off a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America by a stranger. It was a random, unprovoked act that shocked the state and made national headlines.

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Today, Landen’s journey is nothing short of miraculous.

Landen’s Mom Remembers the Day That Changed Their Lives

In a recent Inside Edition feature, Landen’s mother, Carrie Hoffman, reflected on that day and how far her son has come since the attack that nearly took his life. She was standing outside the Rainforest Café with Landen and a family friend when a man approached them and, without warning, picked up her little boy and threw him over the railing.

The fall, nearly 40 feet, left Landen with life-threatening injuries. He had no pulse when two nurses who happened to be nearby rushed to his side and began CPR. “They said he did not have a heartbeat and he had bones sticking out of his skin, and they got him back to life,” Carrie recalled.

Landen was rushed to the Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, where he spent four months recovering and endured more than 15 surgeries. Doctors at the time weren’t sure he would survive. Yet, against all odds, he did.

The man responsible, Emmanuel Aranda, was later convicted and sentenced to 19 years in prison. He had a history of mental illness and had previously been banned from the mall. Despite everything, Carrie says she’s chosen forgiveness. “This man didn’t know me. He didn’t know Landen,” she said. “He was just there because he was mad and wanted to kill somebody.”

Landen Today: Thriving and Still Healing

Carrie has since written a book titled Miracle at the Mall, documenting her family’s painful yet inspiring journey. “I wanted to get this all down in one spot so that I had this forever for me and my family,” she said.

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Now 11, Landen is back to being a typical Minnesota kid. He loves hockey, hanging out with his friends, and even lets Inside Edition tag along for one of his vision therapy sessions, part of his continued recovery to strengthen his eyes and coordination.

From the unimaginable to the inspirational, Landen’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, faith, and hope, and a miracle Minnesotans will never forget.