Two people were and 10 others were injured in a shooting at an Iowa nightclub early Sunday morning in what police believe was a targeted attack.
A man and a woman were when two men fired over a dozen shots inside the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge in Cedar Rapids, police said in a statement.
As many as 150 people were inside the club when over a dozen shots were fired inside the club just before 1.30am Sunday, according to the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
The club had been holding a 90s-themed party, according to a post on social media.
The two people who died in the shooting have not been publicly identified. Following the incident, officers helped treat the people who were wounded and rushed several of the victims to hospitals in squad cars.
Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said officials believed there were two gunmen involved, who likely fled the scene as bar-goers ran out of the club. No arrests have been made.
‘This is another mindless and senseless gun-related incident involving a reckless disregard for human life,’ Jerman said. ‘I remain livid and angered at the continued and blatant disregard and lack of respect for human life that continues. That said, I want to reassure the residents of this city that Cedar Rapids is a safe city.’
Mod Williams, the owner of the nightclub, said in an interview with The Gazette that he doesn’t have any information that hasn’t been publicly released.
‘It’s an extremely disturbing thing that happened and currently I’m just being as cooperative as I can to help the police,’ Williams said.
In a statement to social media, the club said they were fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
‘We’re very sorry such a devastating incident occurred. Our thoughts are with those injured and suffering loss. Our hope was for a place of joy and friendship. There’s no place for such violence. Our hearts ache for the community,’ the statement said.
Cedar Rapids’ mayor Tiffany O’Donnell expressed sorrow for the families of the victims while thanking first responders during a news conference.
‘Shock, anger, grief, disappointment: just a few of the emotions that I’m sure we all feel today, and I can personally say as a mother, my heart goes out to those moms and dads today who are having the worst day of their lives,’ O’Donnell said.
Police have not been able to establish a motive for the shooting.
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