2 Boston Men Killed In Overnight Providence Shooting: Police

PROVIDENCE, RI — Two men were fatally shot outside Club Fuego in Providence early Saturday morning, according to police.

The victims, ages 27 and 29, were both from Boston, Providence police said.

The shooting happened around 2 a.m. outside Fuego Lounge on West Friendship Street. One of the victims died at the scene, while the other was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died, police said. According to the Providence Fraternal Order of Police, one of the victims was found lying on the sidewalk outside the club, and the other in a parking lot across the street.

No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to reach out to the department's detective bureau.

The double homicide comes after a sharp increase in violence in Rhode Island's capital city, which spurred outcry from police and city leaders.

Earlier this week, a woman was arrested in connection with a violent incident involving about 10 ATV and dirt bike riders who pulled a woman from her vehicle and beat her.

In a statement released Friday, the Providence Fraternal Order of Police called the city "a disturbing dystopia," criticizing Mayor Jorge Elorza and Commissioner Steven Pare.

"Now is the time when the mayor and commissioner should be supporting the police department, instead the support is coming from politicians and police chiefs outside the department," the statement read in part.

Providence City Councilman John Goncalves called for the council end its August recess and hold an emergency meeting with police and the mayor.

"The City Council must meet with Mayor Elorza, Commissioner Pare and the Police Department to ensure that any and all steps are being taken to protect residents in our city from the gun violence and dangerous behavior that has been plaguing our city streets," Goncalves said. "It is our responsibility to face these matters head on and make critical changes to stop the cycle of any violence that is endangering the community and the residents of our city."