Dozens shot at rap show

Ark. ‘gang’ melee

Clubgoers screamed and scrambled for cover as dozens of gunshots rang out during a rap concert in downtown Little Rock, Ark., early Saturday, leaving 28 people hurt in an 11-second melee that police said may be gang-related.

Police Chief Kenton Buckner said investigators believe multiple people fired shots and that the shooting could be connected to other violence in the city in recent days.

All of the victims were expected to survive the shooting at the Power Ultra Lounge, and Buckner credited the work of first responders for that.

Twenty-five people between the ages of 16 and 35 suffered gunshot wounds, and three others were injured while fleeing the club. Two people were in critical condition Saturday afternoon, according to Buckner.

Police said they did not have any suspects in custody and did not know how many shooters there were.

Courtney Swanigan, 23, told The Associated Press that when the gunfire rang out, “I just closed my eyes, got down on the ground and put my hands on my head.”

City officials said they would move Monday to shut down the club under a “criminal abatement” program. State regulators suspended the club’s liquor license earlier Saturday and Mayor Mark Stodola said the property’s manager was delivering an eviction notice.

“We know we’ve got to use a hammer, we’ve got to use a big hammer on the people who would do violence with guns and hurt people,” Stodola said.

He added the city must do more to “keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people” and suggested that people refuse to patronize clubs that seem to promote violence. Ads for the concert showed a man pointing a gun at a camera.