At least one person was killed and 15 wounded during a “chaotic” nightclub shooting early Sunday in Cincinnati, police said.
For now, just one shooter is wanted for the 2:20 a.m. attack at Cameo nightclub that killed a 27-year-old man, according to police who earlier said there were multiple attackers.
“Motive is still unclear but there are no indications this incident is terrorism related,” Cincinnati assistant police chief Paul Neudigate tweeted.
“Only one reported shooter at this time, still investigating if others involved.”
And of the 15 wounded, two were listed in critical condition on Sunday, police said.
“You begin to wonder, where is it safe to go?” Ohio Gov. John Kasich bemoaned to CNN’s “State of the Union” and host Dana Bash.
“I have spoken to our head of public safety, Dana, and the fact is, you don’t want to get – you don’t want to be speculating. But it appears as though there was one shooter, not terrorism-related.”
City Manager Harry Black said the deadly confrontation started between two groups earlier, well before combatants had reached Cameo.
“This conflict is believed to have begun between two specific groups or individuals earlier in the day, escalating and ultimately leading to this tragedy,” he said.
The dance club was filled late Saturday night and early Sunday morning when shots rang out at 4601 Kellogg Ave.
“It was a chaotic scene,” Sgt. Eric Franz told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “The club was completely packed.”
A witness said the gunfire – at least 20 shots – boomed over the club’s loud, pulsating beat.
“It was a big gun because you heard it over the music,” club-goer and Cleveland resident Mauricio Thompson said. “Everybody’s running, Everybody scattered to get out of the club.
Four police officers were already at the nightclub working as security guards – two at the entrance and two more in the parking lot – when shots rang out.
“It was just a lot of chaos, obviously, when the shots went off,” Capt. Kimberly Williams told WLWT. “People (were) just trying to get out of harm’s way.”
Cops are asking clubgoers, who fled for their lives, to call them.
“Many of the witnesses fled, but everyone that we can identify is being interviewed,” Neudigate said.
All the victims were taken to five different hospitals.
“Saddened to learn about last night’s shooting in Cincinnati. Our prayers are with the victims and families of all of those involved,” Kasich tweeted. “I’ve instructed our administration to offer any assistance the state can provide.”