BUFFALO, NY – A second shooting was reported this weekend at the new Club Marcella in Buffalo, and today, police have identified a 17-year-old gunman in the latest incident on Sunday. Club Marcella is known as one of the region’s premier LGBTQ nightclubs.
The club moved from the theatre district last June, and operators at the club touted major security upgrades to protect the staff and patrons inside.
On Sunday, a 21-year-old man was shot and killed inside the club. Two others were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds, including a 49-year-old male and a 59-year-old male.
A 17-year-old Buffalo male was arrested and charged on Thursday with multiple counts of assault, reckless endangerment, and firearms charges.
Now, the club is temporarily closing early until further notice.
“An illegal gun was brought into the nightclub by the adolescent offender, which was used by another individual to carry out the shooting,” said Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn. “According to the alleged investigation, two illegal handguns were discovered inside the residence of the adolescent offender on North Lane in Buffalo on Wednesday.”
The club issued the following statement following the shooting:
On consultation with the Buffalo Police Department, we have decided to close our establishment at 2 am until further notice. We will continue to review our security procedures and will make any and all necessary changes to our facility, surrounding parking and other areas to protect our customers and staff. We again extend our prayers to the victim, his family and all who were impacted by this horrible event.
A 36-year-old security guard was shot in the parking lot at the club on January 29.
The New York State Liquor Authority is also investigating the club.
“The SLA immediately opened an investigation following the tragic shooting death on Sunday and we are working closely with the Buffalo Police Department to obtain all necessary reports regarding this incident,” the SLA said in a statement. “The premises was already under investigation due to previous incidents. The SLA’s investigation into this matter is ongoing and at its conclusion, the SLA will take all appropriate actions.”