A late-night confrontation inside Emperor’s Gentlemen’s Club on East Adamo Drive ended in gunfire, leaving a man in his early 20s dead, according to Tampa police. Officers arrived shortly before 12:15 a.m., and paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. Police said the man had been ejected from one area of the venue, then pushed past club employees into a section that was closed to the public, where he and a security guard became involved in a physical struggle.
Police say guard fired during fight
According to Tampa Free Press, investigators said the man repeatedly struck the guard during the altercation and the guard fired his weapon, striking and killing him. The security guard, described by investigators as an adult male in his early 60s, remained at the scene and cooperated with responding officers. Detectives are processing physical evidence, reviewing security camera footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the full circumstances.
Club's recent history of violence
The Emperors club at 5718 E. Adamo Drive has been the scene of other high-profile incidents in recent years. In August 2024 a driver who had been ejected returned and plowed a semi-truck into the building, killing one person, an incident covered in detail in semi-truck plows through club.
Investigation and next steps
Tampa Police detectives said they are continuing to interview witnesses and process evidence; so far police have not released the names of the victim or the guard and no charges have been announced, according to Tampa Free Press. Detectives asked anyone with video or information to contact the department as the probe continues.
Legal outlook
Whether the guard will face criminal charges will hinge on investigators' findings and prosecutors' review of Florida's justifiable use of force laws. Chapter 776 of the Florida Statutes, including Florida Statute 776.012, sets out when deadly force may be justified.
