Atlanta Nightclub Shooting: Police Release Suspect Images

ATLANTA, GA — Atlanta Police late Monday released images of two men called persons of interest in the quadruple shooting inside The Masquerade nightclub in downtown Atlanta. Authorities say the gunfire started when two "rowdy" patrons climbed up onto the stage during a break and an argument broke out with a third patron who took issue. That person reportedly pulled out a pistol, shot the two victims and started shooting toward the ground, likely striking more patrons.

Video of the men possibly involved in shooting, which happened after 9:30 p.m. in the Kenny’s Alley section of Underground Atlanta, shows one man in the foreground wearing a red plaid shirt and sporting a Mohawk hairstyle. A still shot of both men together, one wearing a red plaid shirt and the other wearing a dark plaid shirt, was also released in hopes that the public recognizes the pair and contacts police.

Three of the shooting victims were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where the second victim was pronounced dead with gunshot wounds to the upper and lower torso, the police said. The two survivors, believed to be bystanders, were stable Monday morning with foot and ankle wounds.

All patrons — including the victims and suspect — ran for the front exit Sunday night. Unarmed security saw the shooter — who was still armed — but didn't apprehend. The unidentified shooter fled the scene.

Police arrived at about 9:40 p.m. at the scene of the shooting, in The Underground shopping center at 50 Lower Alabama St., for reports that someone had been shot at the Masquerade Club’s ‘Hell’ music venue.

One victim had been shot in the chest and died at the scene, police said. Emergency workers took three more gunshot victims to a hospital. A second victim who had been shot in the upper and lower back died at the hospital.

The shooting occurred just before the concert's main act, rapper Cousin Stizz, took to the stage, according to media reports.

Anyone with information that can lead to the identification of the two persons of interest is asked to call Crime Stoppers. Information can be submitted anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppersatlanta.org. You do not have to give your name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2,000 for the arrest and indictment of the suspects.

Images from Atlanta Police