MIAMI, FL— September 21, 2011 – As homicide detectives from the Miami Police Department (MPD) continue to investigate a recent shooting that took place at a downtown Miami nightclub, resulting in one death and causing seven others to suffer injuries, the unidentified gunman remains at large. Following the deadly Miami shootout, both the victim’s family and the owner of a nearby dance club scrutinized Nocturnal Nightclub for its slack security protocols, according to information provided by the Miami Herald.
Reports indicated at least one unidentified gunman opened fire in a room on the packed second floor of Nocturnal Nightclub, located in Miami’s Park West Entertainment District, at approximately 3 a.m. on Sept. 18. Clubgoer Brandon Marquis McGhee was killed in the gunfire. While seven other clubgoers were also shot, their bullet wounds were not considered life threatening.
MPD investigators seem to be on the lookout for one gunman, though there remains a possibility that another personal may have also been involved. Furthermore, it was not clear if there was a premeditated motive behind the shooting, or if an argument, for instance, spurred the violence. Nevertheless, MPD Sgt Confesor Gonzalez contended, “We believe they knew each other.”
News reports also appeared to suggest that security procedures in place at the Miami nightspot were inadequate. The victim’s mother told reporters, “It was just shocking that he was shot inside… Where were the people to help and protect him? The security, somebody?”
FLouis Puig, the owner of nearby Club Space, issued a statement to the Miami Herald, in which he referred to Nocturnal Nightclub’s “security apparatus is the most lax in all of South Florida.” Puig also contended, “I warned Nocturnal’s owner, Glenn Kofman that someone would get killed if Nocturnal kept hosting “gangster” parties… I honestly feel drastic measures are needed at this point in order to guarantee the safety and security of our neighborhood, residents and patrons.”
As the search for the perpetrator continues, investigations into the deadly South Florida shooting are ongoing.