Neighborhood concerned after nightclub shooting

1 killed, 4 injured in Fat Kat Lounge shooting Sunday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After a teenager was shot and killed inside the Fat Kat Lounge on Sunday, a neighborhood is left with a divided opinion on whether the club should be allowed to keep its doors open.

"I think it should shut down, but that's not my decision to make," said Jordan Higginbotham, who lives near the club. "Something needs to be done about it and it needs to happen soon."

Four other people were injured in the shooting, while one remains in critical condition.

For now, police have not said what may have prompted the shooting, but it's not the first time the club has had problems.

The club was closed by the city in 2003 after two people were shot, and the city has issued dozens of citations over the last 10 years for damaged doors, improperly wired light fixtures and leaks.

In protest of the latest shooting, the New Black Panther Party told Channel 4 they plan to rally in front of Fat Kat Wednesday afternoon, all in hopes of putting pressure on the owner.

In an email, the group had this to say:

"It is high time we lend our energy to do what we can to shut down these establishments that endanger the well-being and safety of our youth. These are literal death traps that aid in the destruction of our Youth. We must develop programs and entertainment that is healthy and wholesome for our youth."

"I think it should definitely be investigated and looked into further to see what really happened," said Darrick Warren, another concerned neighbor. "If the bar was negligent then it should definitely be an option."

The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association told Channel 4 they plan to meet next Thursday to discuss concerns at the nightclub. For those in the area, their hope is to soon have answers.


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.