2 dead, 10 injured in ‘targeted’ shooting at Iowa nightclub: police officers

Two people were killed and ten others injured in a “targeted” shooting at a crowded Iowa nightclub, police said.

Investigators believe two male suspects fired as many as two dozen shots at Taboo Nightclub & Lounge around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman told reporters Sunday.

“This is yet another mindless and pointless gun-related incident with a reckless disregard for human life,” Jerman said. “I remain angry and upset at the continued and blatant disregard for and lack of respect for human life.”

A man and a woman were killed during the shooting, which occurred at the club while up to 150 people were inside, Jerman said. The victims were not immediately identified.

Ten other victims who were wounded by gunfire were hospitalized with life-threatening to minor injuries, Jerman said.

According to the police chief, one of the victims was specifically attacked. As of early Monday, no arrests had been announced, and a Cedar Rapids police spokesman told the Post he had no additional information to provide.

Investigators were working to identify a possible motive for the shooting. The suspects likely fled when guests panicked over the gunfire from the club, Jerman said.

The club was throwing a ’90s-themed party at the time, KCCI reported, citing social media posts.

Some residents said they were shocked by the mass shooting in the east Iowa city, which involved about 130,000 people.

“It just sucks because it’s never been like this before,” local resident Marcus Pryor told KCRG. “You don’t even want to do any activities out here with that. I have kids out here so it just sucks.”

Senator Chuck Grassley, R-IA, confirmed the “horrible news” in a tweet on Sunday.

“Violence is never the answer” Grasley wrote. “I am praying for the families of the victims and for a speedy healing of the wounded.”

Investigators were interviewing witnesses Sunday, and anyone with information about the shooting should call the Cedar Rapids Police Department at 319-286-5491.