BUFFALO, N.Y. — This will be the fourth shooting that has happened at the popular LGBTQ+ nightclub this year, and the Buffalo Police Department continues the investigation after the shooting that occurred Sunday.
On Sunday morning a 30-year-old male was reported to have been shot while in the club's bathroom. He was taken to ECMC to be treated and is still in stable condition.
As of 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December, 4 the Buffalo Police shared on their social media pages that 2 suspects had been taken into custody regarding the incident.
One of those suspects was named as Yermell Benitez a 20-year-old male from the City of Buffalo, and currently being held without bail. The second suspect 29-year-old Ramone Lopez will be arraigned tomorrow. Both were arrested for gang assault-related charges.
During the press conference held by the Buffalo Police Department, Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia mentioned that more arrests are expected to follow as well.
The club's closure was issued under the Commissioners 'Peace & Good Order Closure act. The order is based upon any establishment with a liquor license and states that there has to have been multiple acts of violent crime to be forcibly shut down by Law Enforcement.
Club Marcella's ownership is not being blamed for this incident, but police say more security measures need to occur if they wish to remain open in the future.
"Something has to be changed. They have an extensive camera system and extensive security plan" Gramaglia says "But there is a security lapse, something is happening where guns are getting into the club".
The shooting was believed to have been a targeted shooting based on the Buffalo Police Department's investigation thus far.
The Buffalo Police will be looking more into the possibility of the use of a ghost gun, which has some parts that can surpass metal detectors due to the material they are made out of.
Officials do not believe that the act of violence was hate-crime related, and was rather a gang-targeted shooting where the suspects and victim knew each other.
The 2 On Your Side team will continue to update the story as we learn more.