April 12 at the Mall of America, 5-year-old Landen Hoffman, was violently thrown over a 3 story balcony. 

It was reported that Emmanuel Aranda was outside of the Rainforest Café when he ran into Hoffman’s mother and asked her if he was in her way. What followed was caught on security camera footage and reported by witnesses. Aranda proceeded to pick up the child and toss him over the balcony.

Aranda has been arrested and charged with first-degree attempted premeditated murder. He already had a warrant out for his arrest in Illinois “stemming from an incident at a Chicago restaurant when he allegedly threatened to slit an employee’s neck,” the Mail reported. He also has past arrests and charges including obstruction of the legal process, fifth-degree assault, trespassing, and damage to property. He told officials that he specifically came to the mall that day to kill someone.

Mall of America

Right after the child was thrown, his mother ran down the stairs and told everyone around her at the mall to pray.

5-year-old Landen has fractures in his face, arm, and leg, and has had to have his spleen removed. However, after hours of tests and scans at the hospital, NO brain damage, NO swelling of the brain, NO spinal cord injury, nerve damage or any life-threatening internal injuries were sustained! The child’s physicians are calling it a miracle.

The family’s Go Fund Me for medical expenses is now almost at $1,000,000!

The family is hopeful and continues to call for prayer:

“We have good news to share with you all on this Good Friday! Our miracle child Landen is showing real signs or recovery. New test results have been positive, though he remains in intensive care with a long road ahead. Our faith in God, and our Savior Jesus, is strong and we are gaining more reason for optimism day by day. We continue our request for privacy as we focus on Landen and thank you for respecting our wishes. Just know that we all feel your overwhelming love, prayers and support – He is answering our prayers and they ARE working. Please continue to pray for Landen and his family, every single prayer is important. Thank you so much from all of us and have a blessed Easter weekend.”

You can donate to Landen and the family here.