Two people are dead and four wounded after a “physical dispute” escalated to gunfire early Sunday morning at a Buckhead nightclub, according to police.
Atlanta Police were called out to Elleven 45 Lounge at 2110 Peachtree Road NW at about 2:30 a.m. after receiving a call of shots fired.
Officers found six people shot at the scene, according to an Atlanta Police Department news release. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene by Grady EMS. Two other victims were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive.
“Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting occurred during a physical dispute at the location that escalated to gunfire,” the news release said.
Killed in the shooting were Mari Creighton, 21, and Nakyris M. Ridley, 20, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Channel 2 Action News reporter the other victims were two men and two women between the ages of 20 and 30.
The nightclub posted a message on its website that it was closed Monday to cooperate with the police investigation. The message also said the staff was “profoundly affected by the recent tragic events.”
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the individuals and families who have suffered loss and injury.”
The nightclub also said it was “dedicated to maintaining an environment where everyone feels secure.”
Nearly 5,000 people signed a 2020 change.org petition asking city officials to shut Elleven45 down in part because of the number of shootings at the venue.
“The community would like to see this irresponsibly owned establishment closed due to the constant code violations, the condition of the exterior, and the recklessness of its patrons,” the petition said.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the APD responded to nearly 100 emergency calls associated with Elleven45 Lounge’s address in 2019.
