Two dead, 22 wounded in Palmetto Florida nightclub shooting
Two dead, 22 wounded in Palmetto nightclub shooting
10, 2011 at 10:18 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 10:18 a.m.
PALMETTO - Two people were shot dead and 22 others wounded when a pair of assailants opened fire on a large crowd outside a Palmetto nightclub early today, police say.
Palmetto Police officials are "aggressively pursuing leads" into the mass shooting, which happened about 12:30 a.m. outside Club Elite at 704 10th St. W. in Palmetto.
According to a police press release, a Palmetto man and a Bradenton woman were shot dead when at least two men opened fire on the crowd. The dead are 25-year-old Trayton Goff of Palmetto and 38-year-old Gwenette Matthews of Bradenton. Goff was found dead outside the club's front door, while Matthews was found dead inside the club.
Police say 22 other people were hit by gunfire during the attack; six who were wounded most seriously were taken to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, while the 16 other victims were taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment, police said.
No motive or suspect information was released by police. Palmetto police are asking anyone with information to call the department at 941-723-4587, or the Manatee County CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-8477, where callers can remain anonymous or be eligible for a reward.
TV station Bay News 9 is reporting that police say a high-powered rifle was used in the attack. The station also reported that a suspicious package was later found behind the club and was suspected to be a bomb, so it was detonated safely by authorities.
Check back to this site throughout the day for more information on this shooting.
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