3 Dead, 14 Injured After Chattanooga Nightclub Shooting

CHATTANOOGA, TN — Three people are dead after 14 were shot and three were struck by vehicles early Sunday morning at a Chattanooga nightclub, according to reports.

The incident occurred just before 2:45 a.m. in the 2100 block of McCallie Avenue, Police Chief Celeste Murphy told news media at a press conference Sunday morning streamed by News Channel 9. A map of the area indicates the only nightclub nearby is Mary's Bar & Grill.

Two of the fatalities were related to gunshot wounds, while one of the people who died was hit by a vehicle trying to flee the scene, she said.

“This is clearly a tragic event for the families involved and the victims,” Murphy said.

The victims, several of whom remain in critical condition, are male and female, and include 16 adults and one minor, according to Murphy, who said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting with the investigation.

Police believe the shooting was an isolated incident with multiple shooters and there is no ongoing threat to public safety, according to Murphy, who said no one had been taken into custody as of Sunday morning.

Authorities are investigating whether the incident is connected to gang activity, Murphy said, adding the area around the scene will be blocked off for much of the day.

Murphy and Mayor Tim Kelly held another press conference mid-day Sunday, News Channel 9 reported. Kelly also took to Twitter to share his thoughts about the shooting.

"Our city will not tolerate people who feel they are beyond the law," Kelly said in a Twitter thread. "While my administration is working hard to address the root causes of gun violence, we are also committed to ensuring those who commit acts of violence are held accountable."

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 423-643-5100 or submit a tip through the Atlas One app. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

“We cannot do this by ourselves and we’re asking you for help,” Murphy said.

Authorities are also encouraging residents to report any crowding they see at businesses as a premptive measure, according to Murphy.