12 people injured in shooting at Louisiana nightclub; police call attack ‘targeted’

BATON ROUGE, La. — At least 12 people were injured early Sunday after a shooting at a Louisiana nightclub, authorities said.

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According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, the shooting occurred at about 1:30 a.m. CST outside The Dior Bar & Lounge, KSLA-TV reported.

Update 5:56 p.m. EST Jan. 22: “At this point, we can say it’s believed to be a targeted attack,” Baton Rouge Police Lt. Bryan Ballard said during a news conference Sunday afternoon.

Investigators said they are searching for a single suspect, WBRZ-TV reported.

In a statement, East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said all public safety teams have been activated.

“I have requested several community organizations reach out and provide victims and their families with necessary services and ongoing support to help ensure there are no retaliations from this event,” Broom said. “We will not stop our work until everyone feels safe and individuals no longer turn to guns to resolve their differences.”

Original report: One of the victims was listed in critical condition, while the others are in stable condition, according to The Associated Press.

At least five people were transported to an area hospital, according to WBRZ-TV. Four other people arrived at the hospital in personal vehicles, the television station reported.

No deaths have been reported, police said.

Before the shooting, Dior Bar & Lounge had been advertising a “back to college” themed live show, that was scheduled to run until 2 a.m. on Sunday, WBRZ reported.

An investigation is ongoing, police said.

“People are talking and we know that we can get some information to help us with our investigation,” Baton Rouge Police Department spokesperson Sgt. L’Jean McKneely Jr. told the AP.

In a statement, Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome condemned the “senseless act of violence.”

“This is a sad event after our community has continuously worked to interrupt violence,” she said.

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