Local

Mass. football team escapes Wisconsin restaurant after gunman opens fire

BOSTON — A Massachusetts indoor football team is pushing forward with their routine less than a week after witnessing a deadly shooting in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The Massachusetts Pirates were seated in a restaurant there last Saturday for a team dinner when chaos ensued.

Police say 62-year-old Bruce Profahl shot and killed two people at the Duck Creek Kitchen and Bar moments after entering the eatery.

The team’s players and staff, who were seated just feet away, had to come up with an exit strategy quickly.

“He made a move, like he was looking for something, and went into the kitchen. That’s when I ran out to the exit door, and the rest of the team followed,” said Bones Bagaunté, one of the coaches for the Pirates.

The team ran outside toward a nearby wooded area, but the terrifying ordeal wasn’t over.

“The shooter calmly blends in with everyone else and walks outside. His next target was standing among us,” said Jawad Yatim, general manager and co-owner of the Pirates. “He walked up near our group and ended up shooting someone else.”

The third victim who was shot survived and is now recovering.

Green Bay Police shot and killed the suspect on scene.

Police said Profahl had been fired from the restaurant where this happened and was banned from the property.

“It was a scary thing, but I felt like it brought our team closer,” said Toby Johnson, a defensive lineman for the Pirates. “With us evacuating, trying to help each other, it’s a sign that you can call on your brother when you’re in need.”

The Pirates came together as a team and voted to still play their scheduled game in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the following day.

The team remains focused on staying united and is gearing up for another away game this coming weekend.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW