This article was published after the event at 9.30am on 25 July. A notification about the incident was sent later due to a technical glitch.
AT LEAST TWO people have been killed and 17 wounded in a Florida nightclub shooting, a US network is reporting.
Wink News is reporting that Lt Jim Mulligan of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said there is a large police presence at Club Blu in Fort Myers, Florida which was hosting a teen party.
Mulligan said that at least two people were dead following the incident.
Cheryl Garn, a spokeswoman for Lee Memorial Health System, says that three people remain hospitalised now. Garn says the victims range in age from 12 to 27.
The station reports that police responded to the incident in the parking lot at Club Blu Bar and Grill, on Evans Avenue, about 1am local time (6am Irish time).
It is reported that police didn’t say how many shots were fired but least 30 yellow evidence markers were placed at the scene.
Two suspects were detained before 5.30am local time (10.30am Irish time), bringing the total number of people in custody to three.
A Facebook flier advertised a Swimsuit Glow Party that was being held at the nightclub last night, telling people that no ID was required for entry.
Injuries range from minor to life-threatening and all victims were taken by Lee County Emergency Medical Services to nearby hospitals.
Winks News is reporting that the ages of those shot range from 12 to 27 and that three people remain in hospital.
The conditions of these patients range from fair to critical.
Police are investigating at least two locations connected with the shooting.
In a related incident, a home and vehicle were shot at on Parkway Street. There was one minor injury in this incident.
It is reported that the suspect left the scene following the incident.
An all-out search is now underway for people involved in the incident.
Police said in a statement that the scene was “deemed safe at this time”.
Tributes
People have taken to the Facebook page of Club Blu to offer condolences and express support for the victims of the shooting.
“Sending prayers and good vibes from Memphis,” one woman wrote.
My heart is with everyone involved and their families.
“Thoughts and prayers are with all involved! Keep safe everyone!,” another person wrote.
Club Blu has issued a statement on Facebook page.
The statement follows an earlier statement which has since been deleted.
The shooting comes just six weeks after an attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida that left 49 dead in the worst gun massacre in recent US history.
Police killed the gunman, Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old US citizen of Afghan origin, after a three-hour standoff.
With reporting from Associated Press
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say