At least 12 people shot at Baton Rouge nightclub, police say

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB/Gray News) - Police in Louisiana are investigating a shooting at a nightclub that left 12 people injured on Sunday morning.

According to Baton Rouge police, the shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. inside The Dior Bar and Lounge. Police said officers were standing outside of the club when the shooting began and immediately rushed in to respond to the threat.

Officials said at least five of the victims were taken to hospitals by emergency crews.

Several others went to a hospital in personal vehicles.

Three of the wounded suffered life-threatening injuries when they were transported from the scene, officials said. Police confirmed one of the people who sustained injuries is the club’s DJ.

WAFB reports a source familiar with the case says surveillance video from inside the nightclub shows the incident unfolding and detectives are analyzing that video as they try to determine exactly what happened.

“At this point, we can say it is believed to be a targeted attack, said Lt. Bryan Ballard, commander of the BRPD Homicide Division. “And that this was not just a random act of someone showing up and randomly shooting citizens in Baton Rouge.”

Officers have been able to determine the type of firearm used but cannot yet release that information, according to BPRD. Investigators said they believe there was a single shooter and are “working leads” to identify the gunman.

BRPD Chief Murphy Paul said officers have also not yet been able to determine how many people were inside the club when the shooting took place.

East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome released a statement, calling it a senseless act of violence.

“All of our public safety teams are activated at this time,” Broome said. “I have requested several community organizations reach out and provide victims and their families with necessary services and ongoing support to help ensure there are no retaliations from this event. We will not stop our work until everyone feels safe and individuals no longer turn to guns to resolve their differences.”

Anyone who may know something that can help investigators is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling the number 225-344-7867.

Copyright 2023 WAFB via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.