A dozen people were injured in a shooting at a Baton Rouge nightclub, Louisiana authorities said Sunday. One of the victims is in critical condition, police said. No arrests have been made, but police believe the early morning attack was “targeted.”
“This was not a random act of violence, based on preliminary investigative efforts,” Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul said at a news conference Sunday afternoon. “We believe this was a targeted event, where someone was specifically targeted and others were injured in that process.”
Three Baton Rouge police officers were nearby when shots were fired around 1:30 a.m. and responded to the Dior Bar & Lounge. They administered lifesaving aid until emergency medical technicians arrived.
“We believe his immediate response prevented further injuries,” Paul said.
Also read: California shooting: Gunman released hours after killing 10 at Chinese New Year party
Although police have some leads, Paul urged anyone else with information about the shooting to come forward.
“There is someone who knows something: to do the right thing. He can save the next incident because it’s obvious that this person has a complete disregard for life,” Paul said.
Police did not say how many of the people shot were attacked. Paul declined to comment on how many shooters opened fire.
“I understand the interest and everyone who wants information, but remember … we have to get it right,” Paul said of the ongoing investigation. “And sometimes getting it right means I can’t give information right now.”
Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, who met with mayors from other major US cities in Washington, DC, last week to discuss the crime issue, called the shooting “a senseless act of violence It won’t go unchecked.”
Also read: Fatal Chinese New Year Festival in California; Shooter leaves 10 dead and 10 injured | Details
“We will not stop our work until everyone feels safe and people no longer turn to arms to settle their differences,” Broome tweeted.
Although the number of homicides in Baton Rouge decreased last year from 2021, the Louisiana capital has been plagued by gun violence. In October, an early morning shooting near the University of the South campus in Baton Rouge left nine injured.
