Two killed, 10 wounded in Iowa nightclub shooting

Police in Cedar Rapids are searching for two gunmen. One injured victim is in critical condition.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A shooting in a crowded Cedar Rapids nightclub left a man and a woman dead and 10 people wounded early Sunday, authorities said.

Cedar Rapids Police

Chief Wayne Jerman said investigators believe two men fired more than a dozen shots inside the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge just before 1:30 a.m. He said officers who were outside the club because of an earlier incident rushed inside just as 100 to 150 people streamed out of the bar.

Officers helped treat the wounded and rushed several of the victims to hospitals in squad cars, the chief said.

The names of the man and woman who died were not released Sunday. Jerman said one of the wounded was in critical condition. The other injuries, all related to the gunfire, ranged from minor to serious, he said.

The gunmen probably escaped as the crowd rushed out of the nightclub, Jerman said. Police were searching for suspects Sunday and no arrests had been reported.

Jerman said police hadn’t determined a motive for the shooting, but investigators believe one of the victims was targeted.

“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.”

The club’s owner, Mod Williams, told the Cedar Rapids Gazette that he was working with police.

“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.

Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell expressed dismay about the shooting and praised the police response. She also urged residents to speak out against violence.

“Shock, anger, grief, disappointment — just a few of the emotions that I’m sure we all feel today,” O’Donnell said. “And I can personally say that as a mother my heart goes out to those moms and dads today who are having the worst day of their lives. To the families of the injured, we are with you and we are praying for a swift recovery.”