One person was killed and 14 were wounded after gunfire erupted early Sunday morning inside a Cincinnati nightclub, authorities said.
The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. inside the Cameo nightclub, a few miles outside downtown Cincinnati, according to media reports. The motive remains unknown, although investigators have ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack, Lt. Paul Neudigate, assistant police chief with the Cincinnati Police Department, tweeted.
Police believe there was only one gunman, although they are still investigating whether others may have been involved, Neudigate said. That person’s identity remains unknown.
Neudigate told NBC affiliate WLWT that hundreds of people were inside the nightclub when shots were fired.
“Many of them fled, unfortunately,” he told WLWT. “Many of the witnesses fled, but everyone that we can identify is being interviewed.”
Four of the victims remain stable, while three are in serious condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Fox affiliate WXIX reported. One has been reported in critical condition. Two more are being treated for minor injuries at Christ Hospital, while two others have been treated and released from Bethesda North Hospital, WXIX reported.
Capt. Kimberly Williams told WXIX that there have been incidents at the club in the past, but Sunday morning’s shooting “is the worst by far.” Neudigate told WLWT that it’s one of the worst shootings he has seen in his nearly 30 years with the police department.
Williams also said that the club had a “very young crowd” on Saturday night.
Cameo allows admission to anyone older than 18 on Friday nights, which caters to college students, according to the club’s Facebook page. Saturday nights are “grown and sexy” and cater to those 21 and older.
“I don’t want to make speculations on what happened, but just keep an eye on your young people,” Williams told reporters at a news conference, according to ABC News. “I don’t know if this had to do with an argument or neighborhood issues or what. Just, I’m asking parents … know what your young people are doing.”
Williams said police officers who were working security at the club tried to revive one of the victims, but that person died, the Associated Press reported. A body was seen being transported about 6 a.m.
Jeff Ruby, owner of several restaurants in Cincinnati, Louisville and Nashville, is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest, the restaurateur announced in a tweet Sunday morning.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich said he’s instructed administration officials to offer assistance to investigators.
(c) 2017, The Washington Post ยท Kristine Phillips
