Miami police are investigating why so many under age revellers were present at a nightclub during a pre-dawn shooting, as they interview dozens of witnesses to the weekend chaos that left 15 people injured.
Among those hit by gunfire early yesterday morning at The Spot were five girls ranging in age from 11 to 17, Miami Fire Rescue Capt Ignatius Carroll said.
“What was very surprising to the responders was that these were kids that were out at 1am in the morning in a club and this type of violence took place where a bunch of kids were gathering,” Mr Carroll said. “It’s very disturbing to see that.”
Investigators are interviewing the owner to determine what type of club The Spot is and why so many under age children were there, said police spokeswoman Frederica Burden.
Fire Rescue officials also will check on what kind of gatherings the club is licensed for, if any, Mr Carroll said.
Of the 15 injured, one was reported to be in a critical but stable condition and the other victims still in hospital were in good condition.
The shooting sent terrified patrons scrambling into the street. When Miami police and rescue crews arrived at the club at around 1am, they found wounded people inside and outside the club, some too hurt to flee, Mr Carroll said.
He said the first emergency crews arriving on the scene were warned to use caution “because there was still active shooting taking place in the area”.
One male was found unresponsive and not breathing when emergency responders arrived.
Ms Burden said it was not immediately clear how many shooters were involved or what prompted the violence. Police have not yet made any arrests.
Shortly after the shootings, police and other emergency officials cordoned off the club with yellow crime scene tape and emergency vehicles blocked the street in front of the site.