POWER LOUNGE: Where shooting broke out this morning. Google street view

Little Rock police are reporting 25 people wounded by gunshots, none fatally, in an incident they first reported about 2:30 a.m. this morning at the Power Bar and Ultra Lounge at 220 W. 6th Street.

Three others were injured in the melee to escape, but not from gunshot wounds. Police were working off-duty as security iat the club at the time, but apparently were outside in the parking lot, not inside.

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This latest tally reflects a late morning update from Little Rock police. Originally, they had estimated 17 were wounded by gunshots. The update includes a police statement that two victims are in critical condition. The 25 were aged 16 to 35, all African-Americans, the police chief said.

A police Tweet said:

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We do NOT believe this incident was an active shooter or terror related incident. It appears to have been a dispute at a concert

About 6:10 a.m., the police added:

#UPDATE as of now ALL 17 confirmed shooting victims are alive. We will provide additional updates as needed.

KARK says some were hurt as people ran to avoid gunfire. YouTube video posted widely is said to be from shooting. KARK reports one of the wounded in critical condition (later upgraded to stable) and one victim as young as 16.

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Brian Chilson, the Times photographer, reports blood splatters by wounded victims across the street from the club on a parking lot. Wounded were taken to three hospitals.

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The Facebook page of Darryl Rankin also includes a video shot live that shows the concert underway and then confusion as gun shots start popping.

City Manager Bruce Moore issued a statement:

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“I am truly saddened by what happened this morning. I am praying for the victims. I am very confident that LRPD will make multiple arrests in this incident. This will not be tolerated in our City. I addition, we are making multiple arrests in the incidents from the 10 days.”

The city has been peppered by drive-by shootings, 11 in 10 days by one count.

Police Chief Kenton Buckner spoke to KARK/Fox 16 this morning, but was careful, while saying one shooting was too many. He just began a series of community meetings about crime and policing this week.

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The club’s website offers this description:


Power Bar and Ultra Lounge has most recently completed its renovation launching in May 2015, just in time for the summer. Power prides itself in the dashing character it has taken on, bringing a sense of distinction making it one of the marquee landmark nightlife locations in central Arkansas. 

The club’s Facebook page promoted this show last night:

PS: What would a public happening be without a statement from Attorney General Leslie Rutledge?

“My thoughts and prayers are with all 17 victims who were injured overnight at the Power Ultra Lounge in Little Rock, and I am grateful for the first responders who saved multiple lives,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Today, we all woke to the tragic news that this senseless act of violence occurred right in the heart of our capital city. As state and community leaders, it is our responsibility to encourage a civil, peaceful discourse and that violence can never be the solution to solve our differences. As the chief law enforcement officer, I stand ready to assist the Little Rock Police Department as they continue their investigation and we work together to reduce crime in our communities.”

Note. Previous attorneys general and others have often said the attorney general is NOT the state’s chief law enforcement officer. She is the state’s legal counsel. Her office represents the state on appeals of criminal convictions, but the office doesn’t prosecute cases or investigate criminal cases as a general rule, outside of Medicaid fraud.

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