5 people shot near Atlanta nightclub hosting Black Gay Pride event
Five people were injured early Monday when shots were fired outside a northwest Atlanta nightclub, according to police.
The Marquette Lounge on Joseph E. Boone Boulevard was hosting an all-night event to celebrate Black Pride Weekend, according to the club’s Facebook page. Investigators believe a fight started outside the club before a man started shooting into the crowd.
“Following the shooting, patrons ran across the street to Proctor Street, where they contacted 911,” Atlanta police said Monday afternoon. “The suspected shooter fled the scene before officers arrived.”
All five of those injured were taken to hospitals, including some who went by ambulance and others by private vehicle, according to police.
In a statement Sunday night, The Marquette Lounge said the shooting did not happen on business property.
“Our premises were fully secured at the time, and to our knowledge, no major occurrence happened that would warrant the shooting that took place across the street,” the emailed statement said. “We are limited in the level of control we have in situations that do not occur on our property. We have reached out to the Atlanta Police Department and are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.”
Tarell Heard told Channel 2 Action News he heard at least eight gunshots as the party was ending and people were leaving.
“It’s always something (in Atlanta),” he said. “If it’s not fighting, it’s gunshots.”
No suspects were in custody late Monday, police said. The investigation continued into the incident.
