Crime scene tape blocks off the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, April 10, 2022. A shooting occurred at 1:27 A.M. that left ten people injured and two dead. One of the injuries remains critical and the other nine range from serious to minor. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette via AP)
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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) - A shooting inside a crowded Cedar Rapids nightclub left a man and a woman dead and 10 people wounded early Sunday, authorities said.
Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said investigators believe two men fired more than a dozen shots inside the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday. He said officers who were just outside the club because of an earlier incident rushed inside just as 100-150 people streamed out of the bar and found the victims.
Officers helped treat the people who were wounded and rushed several of the victims to hospitals in squad cars.
The names of the man and woman who died were not released Sunday. Jerman said one of the people who were injured was in critical condition Sunday afternoon while the other injuries, which were all related to the gunfire, ranged from serious to minor.
The gunmen likely escaped as the crowd rushed out of the nightclub. Police were searching for suspects Sunday afternoon and no arrests had been reported.
Jerman said police haven't determined the motive for the shooting but investigators believe one of the victims was targeted.
'œThis is another mindless and senseless gun-related incident involving a reckless disregard for human life,'ť Jerman said. 'œI remain livid and angered at the continued and blatant disregard and lack of respect for human life that continues. That said, I want to reassure the residents of this city that Cedar Rapids is a safe city.'ť
The club's owner, Mod Williams, told the Cedar Rapids Gazette that he is working with police.
'œIt's an extremely disturbing thing that happened and currently I'm just being as cooperative as I can to help the police,'ť Williams said.
Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell expressed dismay about the shooting and lauded the police response. She also urged residents to speak out against violence.
'œShock, anger, grief, disappointment - just a few of the emotions that I'm sure we all feel today,'ť O'Donnell said. 'œAnd I can personally say that as a mother my heart goes out to those moms and dads today who are having the worst day of their lives. To the families of the injured, we are with you and we are praying for a swift recovery.'ť
Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell listens as Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman gives details about the shooting at Taboo Nightclub and Lounge during a press conference at the Cedar Rapids Police Station in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Jerman confirmed that an adult male and female died and ten others have been injured. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette via AP)
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Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell speaks about the shooting that occurred at the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge early Sunday morning at the Cedar Rapids Police Station in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, April 10, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette via AP)
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A keychain sits in a planter outside of Taboo Nightclub in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Cedar Rapids police were able to respond to a shooting call immediately and interviewed witnesses at the scene of the occurrence. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette via AP)
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A Crime Scene Investigator walks to the entrance of the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, April 10, 2022. A shooting occurred at 1:27 A.M. and left ten people injured and two people dead. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette via AP)
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Several police vehicles sit outside the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, April 10, 2022 to investigate a shooting that occurred early Sunday. Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman says they believe the shooting was a targeted incident. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)/The Gazette via AP)
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A police vehicle sits in the alley next to Taboo Nightclub and Lounge in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Police are currently investigating a shooting that occurred at the nightclub early Sunday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette via AP)
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Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman gives details on the fatal shooting that occurred at Taboo Nightclub and Lounge during a press conference at the Cedar Rapids Police Station in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Jerman said they believe that more than one shooter was involved and the suspect or suspects are most likely male. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette via AP)
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A Cedar Rapids police officer carries a piece of evidence to the Crime Scene Unit van outside of Taboo Nightclub and Lounge in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman says they are still looking for the shooter and believes there could be more than one shooter involved. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette via AP)
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