News of The Shrine’s closing spread quickly on the Internet and many are disappointed. However, the venue’s neighbors may not share the same sentiment especially after a shooting recently happened right outside the nightclub.
According to reports, a fight broke out inside the nightclub and spilled into the street early this morning, Saturday, Feb. 20. Individuals involved in the fight were kicked out of the club. One of those ejected opened fire and started shooting from inside a car as they sped away. Two people standing at the entrance were hit by the stray bullets, police said.
According to Chicago Sun Times, a 29-year-old woman suffered a gunshot wound to the head and a 34-year-old man, working as a security guard, was shot in the leg. Both were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where the woman was initially listed in critical condition and the man was reportedly in stable condition.
This latest shooting does not bode well for night life on the south side of Chicago and it’s an “I told you so” moment for the neighbors who welcome the closing of the venue.
It represents yet another February that has eclipsed last year’s violent crime rate.
The Shrine initially had plans to close officially after the scheduled Busta Rhymes show on February 28, but as a result of the shooting, the show has been canceled.They released the following statement via Facebook: “Due to a tragic shooting, The Shrine will be closing its doors permanently. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. The Shrine is fully cooperating with the Chicago Police Department to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.”
The latest reports that have surfaced indicate the shooter has yet to be apprehended and both victims are in stable condition. Police are accepting any information with regards to the incident.
