Federal law enforcement agencies have joined Cincinnati police in hunting for the gunman responsible for a weekend shooting at a local nightclub that left nine people injured.
The shooting occurred around 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning at Riverfront Live, a music venue in Cincinnati. All nine victims were taken to area hospitals with injuries that are not considered life-threatening, according to Interim Cincinnati Police Chief Adam Hennie, who reported that all patients remain in stable condition.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now collaborating with Cincinnati police on the investigation, confirmed spokesperson Todd Lindgren. Additionally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has posted a $5,000 reward for tips leading to the identification of the shooter.
While this incident happened around the same time as a fatal bar shooting in Austin, Texas that investigators are examining as possible terrorism, Ohio authorities have not revealed any potential motive for the Cincinnati attack.
Cincinnati ATF spokesperson Bill Halusek stated that investigators do not currently believe the nightclub shooting was a terrorist act.
Witness Anton Canady was inside Riverfront Live when the violence erupted. He described hearing what seemed like an altercation or “commotion” before gunfire broke out while music was still playing. Canady and his girlfriend Brandi Willis immediately fled toward the exits.
During the chaotic evacuation, Willis fell down and Canady shielded her with his body to prevent her from being trampled by other fleeing patrons.
“I don’t think it was like they was doing it purposely or intentionally, I just think nobody wanted to die in there,” he said.
The 40-year-old Cincinnati man spoke with The Associated Press from a hospital where he was waiting for Willis to receive additional treatment for injuries sustained during their escape. Canady also suffered cuts and bruises to his legs.
After getting out of the venue, Canady discovered that one of the shooting victims was his own cousin.
“I hurried up, found something out of the car that was next to us. And I tied her wounds up so we can get that pressure. And we try to do the next step, which is call 911 and get her the attention she needed,” he said.
Canady reported speaking with his cousin on Monday, saying she is “doing good” but remains “in shock.”
DJ Fresh, whose real name is Jermaine Tandy, was celebrating his birthday at the venue that night, based on his Facebook posts. Representatives for the DJ released a statement expressing their devastation over the violent incident.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence,” the statement read. “This event was intended to be an opportunity for us to come together and enjoy great music; and have fun celebrating life, it is deeply frustrating that the actions of one individual ruined the evening for so many.”
The statement noted that venue management handled security arrangements for the event as part of the DJ’s rental contract.
Riverfront Live is located on the Ohio River near the Riverbend Music Center and frequently attracts patrons from the larger outdoor concert venue, which closes during winter months.
The club was renamed Riverfront Live in 2018 following previous incidents involving criminal activity. The property has operated under various names including Stage Forty-Three and Inner Circle, but is most famous as the former location of Annie’s, a legendary rock club that featured major touring acts during the 1990s and early 2000s.
