Two concertgoers died and two others were injured during a concert headlined by Cousin Stizz at the famed Masquerade venue in Atlanta on Sunday (November 12).
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta police were called to scene just before 9:40 p.m. after reports of one person being shot at the venue. It was later discovered that two of the four victims “got rowdy” and climbed onto the stage between sets before the concert’s headliner. Another concertgoer apparently “took issue,” which prompted an argument. The said concertgoer then pulled out a pistol and shot the two people onstage and also fired “toward the ground,” which “most likely” led to the two injuries at that time.
The crowd, including the victims and the gunman, ran for the front exit. Two people collapsed going up a flight of stairs. “The suspected shooter, still armed, was witnessed by unarmed security but was not successfully detained,” Atlanta officer Lisa Bender told AJC. “The investigation is ongoing.”
One of the victims died after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest. The second person was pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital, with gunshot wounds to the upper and lower torso. The two survivors are believed to be in stable condition with foot and ankle wounds.
Stizz, the concert headliner, addressed the “senseless violence” afterwards on his Instagram page and said he was “completely heartbroken.”
“I’ve always called my shows family reunions because they’re never anything but fun, safe, good vibes, and positivity,” he wrote. “I’m in shock and at a loss of words for the senseless violence. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.”
One of the victims died on the scene. That person had a gunshot wound to the chest.