LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Arts District is still reeling after gunfire erupted during the 24th anniversary of First Friday, leaving one person dead and two others injured.
Chaos unfolded as shots rang out Friday night, sending crowds scattering for cover into nearby shops, including Lex’s Topcat Tattoo Club. Security camera video captured people running for safety as the gunfire started.
Hours later, business owners said they remain rattled.
“I’m afraid,” Lex said. “My employees are afraid too. This will probably be like our last First Friday. We don’t know how we’ll do it.”
A bullet was lodged into Jimi Mastronardi’s Star Las Vegas shop window during the shooting.
“Our windows are bulletproof. Luckily, it didn’t go through the window or it didn’t hurt anybody,” Mastronardi said. “Usually, I have someone out here playing a DJ right over here last night, but he was not feeling good. So, he didn’t come out last night. So, lucky for him, he wasn’t here because he would be still here about 10 o’clock.”
Mastronardi says the shooting is the final straw in his frustrations with the event.
“Me personally, I think First Friday has had its time,” he said. “I think we could do other events and have more organized where it’s not so chaotic or too big… kids just want to have fun and drink underage. I think it’s just dangerous that way.”
Nearby businesses are also sounding the alarm on crowds of teenagers they say stir up trouble. Arts District leaders like Tony Chavez say they share concerns about a teen takeover, with many unsupervised teens coming to the event without parents’ approval.
Despite the issues, leaders say they’re working to find a way forward, possibly including adding metal detectors.
“Again, our main thing is we want to keep this community as safe as possible,” Chavez said.
Chavez says several events were canceled Saturday in light of the shooting.
Metro police say they’re working to cut down on unsupervised teens, with curfews in place on Fremont Street.
The identity of the victim killed has not been released, and Metro says they are still searching for the suspect.
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