Nine people were reportedly wounded when gunfire rang out at a music venue in the early morning of Sunday, March 1, in Cincinnati, per WLWT5. The search for the person or people responsible is ongoing at this time. According to the outlet, a call was made at about 1 a.m. for shots fired at Riverfront Live. "Interim Chief Adam Hennie says multiple shots were fired inside the venue," which held around 500 to 600 people when the chaos broke out.
Videos by Wide Open Country
There were police officers already present in Riverfront Live's parking lot. That expedited the arrival of additional law enforcement personnel when the shooting occurred.
The Injured Were Taken To Local Hospitals
Many of those who sustained gunshot wounds were brought to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. According to a spokesperson, that facility got eight people for treatment who were shot at the venue. Per the outlet, "[S]ix have been treated and released, two remain in stable condition."
Another person hurt in the shooting was reportedly taken to Good Samaritan Hospital.
Spectators Described the Frightening Scene
People who were present described a truly terrifying scene of complete turmoil. One of them, Tyra Moore, talked about what she witnessed during the shooting.
"About time I think the first three shots went off, it was a quick pause. Everything stopped, it was like everybody froze. Immediately, everybody started screaming and running. So you know, you want to get down and back off and run or get low or get out of harm's way — but you don't know where harm is coming from. You got people running at you, it's dark as can be, it's smoke everywhere. So my thing was, get low and try to duck from the gunshots."
People Fled in Panic
Another eyewitness chose not to give her name. What she saw was chilling. There was a rampage to escape the site without getting shot.
"So we were waiting for the DJ to come out. It was his birthday. He was performing, I guess just like a little DJ set. And then he didn't play. He didn't get through the first song. And then someone started shooting. We thought it was like a bottle popping at first, and then the rounds kept going. So then everybody just kind of ducked and just started running out the door. And then that's when I fell. Everybody was kind of trampling over each other."
The Club Owner and the DJ's Team Expressed Their Thoughts
Tim Jordan owns Riverfront Live. He is stunned by the horrific incident that took place there. Jordan told the outlet, "One, it was devastating that somebody got hurt while in my building. I mean to me personally, that someone would get hurt here — it's not acceptable. I don't even know how to go with it from there."
DJ Fresh's management team said in part in a statement, "We are devastated by the horrific events that took place during the DJ Fresh Birthday Celebration. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence. 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."
City Officials Weighed In
Two prominent figures in Cincinnati publicly shared their feelings about the tragedy. Per the outlet, City Manager Sheryl Long said she was "heartbroken" but "not shocked."
Mayor Aftab Pureval issued a statement on X. He shared, "Overnight in the East End, our community was victim to a senseless mass shooting. Thank you to the officers on site, the first responders for their immediate action, and all the hospital staff who worked to save lives this morning."
