Little Rock police say 25 people were shot at a club called the Power Bar and Ultra Lounge early Saturday morning. There were no reported fatalities. Police said three others had injuries that were not from gun shots.
The club is on the second floor of a building in downtown Little Rock located at 220 West 6th Street.
Little Rock police say they do not believe the incident was terror-related or involved an active shooter, but resulted from a dispute, which could possibly be gang related.
Police said the shooting happened about 2:30 a.m. during a concert by Memphis-based rapper Finese 2Tymes.
Authorities said two victims were briefly in critical condition, but their conditions have improved.
The shooting follows a week in which there have been about a dozen drive-by shootings in Little Rock, though there's no indication the events are linked.
Meanwhile, just hours after the shooting, the state Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board issued an emergency order for the immediate suspension of the club's liquor license. It cited potential violations that include failure to be a good neighbor, allowing possession of weapons on the premises, and disorderly conduct. Those claims are under investigation and the board said additional citations may come.
The liquor permit is issued to Hermon Lewis of Little Rock under the establishment name Lulav Power Bar and Lounge. Lewis is being called to attend a hearing in front of the ABC board Monday, July 10, to make a case for removal of the suspension.
"We will exercise the authority granted us under the law to preserve and safeguard the public safety," said Mary Robin Casteel, director of Alcoholic Beverage Control, in a written statement. "We feel the events which are alleged to have occurred warrant our decision to suspend liquor sales at this location pending further action by the board."
The club's Facebook page promoted the musical performance of Finese 2Tymes, though the name has since been changed on Facebook to Finese Twotymes. A posting on the account issued condolences.
A Facebook Live video from the Facebook page of Darryl Rankin of Pine Bluff is said to be of the shooting.
On June 24, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola attended an anti-violence event to try to address recent violence in the city.
Gang members, former gang members, community leaders, & city officials coming together today to show that violence will not prevail in LR! pic.twitter.com/NpBcp7dpYG
— Mark Stodola (@LittleRockMayor) June 24, 2017
Governor: Little Rock's Crime Problem Intensifying
Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement:
"First and foremost, my thoughts are with the victims and their families this morning, and the First Lady and I are praying for their quick recovery. I also want to thank the first responders who no doubt saved lives with their quick action.
Little Rock's crime problem appears to be intensifying. Every few days it seems a high profile shooting dominates the news, culminating with this morning's event. I have spoken this morning with Mayor Stodola and I have offered both my heart felt concern over this senseless violent tragedy and state assets as needed to address the continued threat of violence in our community.
We are still gathering facts, but it is clear that we need to have a comprehensive enforcement strategy in place that helps take the violent threats off the streets. The state will participate and bring assets to the table to support local law enforcement efforts."
Attorney General Responds To Shooting
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge released a statement:
"My thoughts and prayers are with all 17 victims who were injured overnight at the Power Ultra Lounge in Little Rock, and I am grateful for the first responders who saved multiple lives," the statement said.
"Today, we all woke to the tragic news that this senseless act of violence occurred right in the heart of our capital city. As state and community leaders, it is our responsibility to encourage a civil, peaceful discourse and that violence can never be the solution to solve our differences. As the chief law enforcement officer, I stand ready to assist the Little Rock Police Department as they continue their investigation and we work together to reduce crime in our communities."
