Police say a New York City man out on bail on an attempted murder charge opened fire at a nightclub in suburban Westchester County early Sunday, killing two people — including the club’s co-owner — and injuring four other people.
(FOX)- The Journal News reported that the unidentified suspect initially escaped after being tackled by security at the Mansion nightclub in Mount Vernon, but was quickly apprehended by police.
“It’s a dark day in our city,” Mayor Richard Thomas told the paper. “Today is a day we’re supposed to spend with our family, not extend condolences. No person and no family should ever spend Christmas like this.”
One of the victims was identified as Mansion co-owner O’Neal Badoo. Thomas said the name of the second deceased victim was being withheld until next of kin were informed.
Investigators say the suspect may have been ejected from the club shortly before the shooting, which took place at around 4:30 a.m. Christmas Day. The Journal News reported that bars and nightclubs in Westchester County are required to close no later than 4 a.m.
The mayor said the “random yet retaliatory” shooting “rises to the level of domestic terror,” according to the Journal News. Thomas’ spokesman later clarified that the mayor was referring to the “sense of fear” in the city, which sits just north of the Bronx.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.