A mass shooting at a Fort Myers nightclub during ‘teen night’ early Monday morning claimed the lives of two teenagers and left more than 16 with varying degrees of injury, according to police. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, but authorities and an FBI spokeswoman have said it was not an act of terrorism.
Those killed were identified as Sean Archilles, 14, and Stef’an Strawder, 18. A 12-year-old was among those injured, authorities said.
The shooting occurred at Club Blu, about 160 miles southwest of the Orlando nightclub that experienced the largest massacre in our country’s history in June. Police said that they detained three people in possible connection with Monday’s shooting.
Fort Myers’ Mayor Randall P. Henderson Jr. issued a statement regarding the newfound tragedy.
“Fort Myers is not immune to crime and unfortunately not spared acts of violence and shootings as other cities across the country have experienced. We have watched events like this unfold too many times, but when it occurs in our city, it hits directly to our hearts.”
As of 10:15 a.m. EST, two of those injured remained in the hospital in critical condition, a spokeswoman for Lee Memorial Hospital said.
Club Blu posted their own response on their Facebook page:
“We are deeply sorry for all involved. We tried to give the teens WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS A SAFE PLACE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. Ages 12-17. There was nothing more we could of done [as] you see it was not kids at the party that did this despicable act. Our condolences to all parties involved.”
One witness described the spray of bullets as “nonstop.” Her group hid behind a car once they heard the shooting, and at one point began to run.
Source: Washington Post | Image: VICE
