PHILADELPHIA, PA. – A Philadelphia court has effectively shut down an illegal Southwest Philadelphia speakeasy where an off-duty city police officer was killed in a shooting last month, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Wednesday.
The Philadelphia Common Pleas Court issued an injunction against the operator of Nipsey’s Hookah Lounge, according to the District Attorney’s Office. The establishment was the scene of the Aug. 16 fatal shooting of off-duty Philadelphia Police Officer Alhassane Barry.
Krasner characterized the lounge as an illegal nuisance business that had been causing problems in the surrounding community. The Philadelphia Police Department’s investigation into Barry’s killing remains ongoing, and prosecutors said they are awaiting the department’s recommendation.
Key Points
- Philadelphia Common Pleas Court issued an injunction against the operator of Nipsey’s Hookah Lounge.
- Off-duty Philadelphia Police Officer Alhassane Barry was fatally shot at the Southwest Philadelphia establishment Aug. 16.
- Krasner said prosecutors intend to use legal action against other illegal nuisance businesses operating in city neighborhoods.
Judge Effectively Shuts Down Nipsey’s Hookah Lounge
Krasner said Wednesday’s Common Pleas Court ruling effectively closes the establishment.
“Today’s Common Pleas Court ruling effectively shuts down this illegal speakeasy, which has been a nuisance in the Southwest Philadelphia community and was the site of a fatal shooting that claimed the life of off-duty Philadelphia Police Officer Alhassane Barry,” Krasner said.
The District Attorney’s Office did not provide additional details in Wednesday’s statement about the specific restrictions imposed by the injunction or identify the lounge operator.
Krasner said the police investigation into Barry’s death remains active and his office is awaiting a recommendation from the Philadelphia Police Department.
The statement did not announce an arrest or criminal charges in connection with the officer’s killing.
Krasner Warns Other Illegal Businesses
The district attorney used the court victory to put operators of similar establishments on notice.
“We hope this puts other operators of illegal nuisance businesses on notice that residents do not want you operating in our communities,” Krasner said.
He added that his office would use “every legal tool at our disposal” to shut down such operations when necessary to protect public safety.
Krasner thanked the court and credited the District Attorney’s Office Public Nuisance Task Force and collaborating units for their work on the case.
The injunction represents a separate legal action involving the establishment while the investigation into the Aug. 16 fatal shooting continues.
Why was Nipsey’s Hookah Lounge shut down?
The Common Pleas Court issued an injunction against its operator. Krasner described the establishment as an illegal speakeasy and nuisance business.
What happened to Officer Alhassane Barry?
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office said the off-duty Philadelphia police officer was killed in a fatal shooting at Nipsey’s Hookah Lounge on Aug. 16.
Has anyone been charged in the officer’s killing?
Wednesday’s announcement did not identify a suspect or announce criminal charges. Krasner said the Philadelphia Police Department’s investigation remains ongoing.
Sources: Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office statement from District Attorney Larry Krasner, Sept. 2, 2026; Philadelphia Common Pleas Court injunction as described by the District Attorney’s Office.
