Los Angeles, California — Two people were killed in a shooting at a club near California State University, Northridge, during a private party Friday night, and police are still searching for the person responsible.
The Los Angeles Police Department said officers responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 11 p.m. local time on Oct. 2 in the 18400 block of Nordhoff Street in Northridge, an area in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley.
The venue was later identified as Artist Lounge, a nightclub and event space located west of the CSUN campus.
Man and Woman Killed in Shooting
LAPD Lt. Guy Golan told local media that officers discovered two victims at the scene, a man and a woman believed to be between 18 and 25 years old. Both victims died from their injuries.
Golan also said investigators were looking into the possibility of another victim, although authorities had not confirmed additional injuries at the time of the reports.
The shooting happened during a private event at the venue, which hosts a variety of activities including music performances, rehearsals and comedy open-mic events.
Police have not publicly released the identities of the two people who were killed.
Witness Describes Chaotic Moments
Video recorded at the scene showed people rapidly leaving Artist Lounge after the gunfire. One witness described the shooting as happening within seconds.
“It all happened so fast,” the witness told ABC 7 and KTLA. “This guy pulls out a gun from his waist and aims at one person — boom. Then, he turned around to get another guy, but he totally missed and got someone else in the back.”
The witness’s account has not been independently verified by authorities.
Police have not released a description of the suspected shooter, leaving investigators asking anyone with information to come forward.
Police Search People Leaving the Venue
As officers investigated the shooting, dozens of people were seen leaving the event. According to reports, footage from Friday night showed people being briefly detained and searched by police before being released.
Investigators are working to determine exactly what happened inside the venue and what led to the gunfire.
Authorities believe the shooting was an isolated attack, rather than an incident involving a broader threat to the surrounding community. The suspect remained at large as the investigation continued.
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Artist Lounge Plans Vigil for Victims
Artist Lounge released a lengthy statement following the shooting and announced plans for a vigil on Sunday, Oct. 4, to remember the two people who died.
The venue said the shooting happened during a private promotional event for emerging music artists.
“This tragic incident occurred during a private promotional event for up-and-coming music artists,” the venue said in part. “Private security was present, but sadly, someone made the devastating decision to bring violence into our space, resulting in the loss of two lives. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
The club also emphasized its original purpose as a space centered around creativity and community.
“Artist Lounge was created to be a place where people can come together through creativity, music, art, dance, and freedom of expression,” the club said. “We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel welcome, supported, and safe. The safety of our guests, students, families and community remains our top priority.”
The venue urged the person responsible for the shooting to surrender to authorities.
LAPD Continues Search for Suspect
Investigators are continuing to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, including what happened inside Artist Lounge and how the suspect escaped.
At this point, police have not identified a suspect publicly, and no description has been released.
Anyone with information about the fatal shooting is being asked to contact the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division’s Valley Bureau Section at 818-374-9550.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to identify the shooter and determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Two young lives were lost in a shooting that unfolded in a matter of moments. What do you think should be done to improve safety at crowded nightlife and private events? Share your thoughts in the comments.
