Early Thursday morning, Lawrence, Massachusetts, became the backdrop for separate shootings at two nightclubs, leaving three people injured. The first incident occurred outside the Attika Club on Mill Street at around 12:17 a.m., where police found a man with a gunshot wound, NBC Boston reports. He was transferred to Lawrence General Hospital with injuries deemed non-life-threatening.
The assailant in this incident was apprehended as he attempted to escape, then charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, along with firearms charges, as Lawrence police have confirmed. His identity has, however, yet to be made public. Hours later, at about 1:20 a.m., another shooting took place outside Atlantico V8 Bar & Grill on South Union Street, according to Boston 25 News. The victim of this latter incident also sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was initially treated at Lawrence General Hospital before being transferred to a Boston hospital for further care. Additionally, another victim associated with the Atlantico incident arrived independently at a Boston hospital, displaying gunshot wounds.
Officials have indicated that these violent events were targeted, aiming to ease public concerns by stating that there is no ongoing threat to the community. WCVB adds that investigators do not believe the shootings were random occurrences, hinting at possible motives yet to be disclosed.
Both incidences are under investigation as authorities work to piece together the events that led to the injuries of three individuals. The suspect from the Attika Club incident is expected to be arraigned in Lawrence District Court, though the time frame for the arraignment is not currently known.
