Raleigh's police chief and mayor are reacting for the first time since a shooting at a nightclub last Friday left six children injured.
“No one in Raleigh should be okay with what happened Friday night,” said Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson.
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Six kids were shot and wheeled into ambulances outside a private birthday party full of teenagers at Club Dreams in Raleigh.
Tuesday, 3 kids are still in the hospital, including a 12-year-old boy who suffered a gunshot to the arm that pierced his lung.
“It was shocking and quite frankly just left me with a sick feeling in my stomach to think that something like this could happen here," said Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin. "It’s happening everywhere and it’s very frustrating.”
The call came in around 11 o’clock Friday night. It’s the 9th time this year that RPD officers responded to Club Dreams on Paula Street.
In May there was a report of shots fired.
Last year there were 26 calls to 911, many involving shots fired.
In April 2021 a man was killed at the club.
City Councilman David Knight represents the area.
“It’s very upsetting and very concerning,” said Knight.
So far, police have not issued any citations to the club — and there have been no orders to shut down.
However, Club Dreams posted on social media, apologizing and announcing it would close permanently
“We are looking into if they are indeed closing permanently," said Knight. "The police are looking into that, as well as staff, to find out if that is true or not.”
Many potential witnesses scattered at the sound of gunshots.
Police have surveillance video - but still no suspect after 4 days.
“We are going to work every lead that we have to make sure there is a resolution,” said Patterson.
This shooting comes as violent crime in Raleigh is up 4% over last year.
The chief says the ages of the victims — 12, 14, and 16 — should be a wake-up call.
“Our most vulnerable population is now being touched by this gun violence, so we have to do everything we can," said Patterson. "It’s a call for the community, as well, to be a part of the solution.”