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1 injured in shooting outside of Atlanta adult entertainment club

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 11:13 GMT by WSB-TV
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One Person Injured in Shooting Outside Atlanta Adult‑Entertainment Club

On the evening of Thursday, a gunshot rang out outside a downtown adult‑entertainment venue in Atlanta, prompting a swift police response and leaving one person wounded. The incident, which took place at the intersection of 10th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, was captured on security footage that shows a lone gunman firing multiple shots into the air before dispersing.

The Incident

According to the Atlanta Police Department (APD), the shooting occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. as the club was winding down for the night. The victim, a 32‑year‑old man named Michael “Mikey” Barnes, was on a nearby sidewalk when the gunfire erupted. He was struck by a stray bullet that lodged in his chest. Emergency medical services arrived within minutes, and Barnes was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

APD officials say that the suspect is believed to have fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan that was later identified as a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. No arrest has been made to date, and investigators are still canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage that could lead to the suspect’s capture.

Police Response

In a statement released Friday morning, Officer Chief Robert Smith praised the rapid deployment of officers to the scene. “We have a dedicated team that worked diligently to secure the area and provide immediate medical assistance,” Smith said. “The community’s safety is our top priority, and we are actively pursuing every lead that could bring the perpetrator to justice.”

APD is collaborating with the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office, given the potential for the incident to fall under federal jurisdiction. The FBI’s involvement underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating the case, particularly given the location and the nature of the crime.

The Club and Its Reputation

The adult‑entertainment club involved in the incident, known locally as “Velvet Nights,” has been operating in the 10th Street corridor for over a decade. The venue is licensed by the state and is known for its discretion and high‑profile clientele. According to a 2023 inspection report, Velvet Nights maintained all required safety and security measures, including CCTV coverage and a staff of trained security officers.

Despite its compliance record, the club has been at the center of several high‑profile incidents in the past, ranging from minor brawls to drug‑related arrests. In 2021, a former employee was indicted for possession of illegal weapons, a case that was ultimately dismissed due to insufficient evidence. While the club’s management has not been implicated in the current shooting, the incident has reignited concerns about the safety of patrons and residents in the surrounding neighborhood.

Victim’s Recovery

Michael Barnes, who is an accountant for a regional consulting firm, was reportedly in a stable condition after the hospital’s initial assessment. He has since returned to the care of his family, though the hospital staff advised that he could experience long‑term complications from the chest wound. Barnes’ co‑workers have offered support, and a donation page has been set up to help cover his medical expenses.

In a brief statement, Barnes’ sister, 28‑year‑old Tara Greene, described the shooting as a “shock to the whole community.” “We’re just so grateful that he’s alive,” Greene said. “But this event has left a scar that will stay with us forever.”

Community Reaction

The shooting has prompted a flurry of social‑media posts and local news coverage. Many residents in the 10th‑Street area are expressing frustration over what they perceive as a failure of public safety. “We’ve had our share of crime in this neighborhood, but this is something else,” said 45‑year‑old resident, David Thompson. “People want to feel safe at the end of the day, and this has shaken that sense of security.”

Local business owners have expressed concern that the incident may affect foot traffic to the area, especially around the club’s operating hours. “We’re watching for any changes in patron flow,” said Anna Rivera, owner of a nearby café. “Our business depends on the steady stream of customers that comes from the nightlife district.”

Ongoing Investigation

APD has urged anyone with information to come forward. A spokesperson for the department said, “If you saw anything suspicious or know who the suspect might be, please call the Atlanta Police Department Hotline at 404‑555‑1234.” In addition, the department has placed a request on the FBI’s Crime Stoppers platform, encouraging anonymous tips that could help identify the perpetrator.

The incident has also spurred a city‑wide review of security protocols at adult entertainment venues. City Council member Marcus Hall called for a new ordinance requiring enhanced surveillance and stricter background checks for employees at such establishments. “We can’t allow an environment where gun violence can occur unchecked,” Hall said. “The city must step in to ensure that public safety is not compromised.”

A Broader Context

Atlanta has seen an uptick in gun violence over the past year, with over 400 reported shooting incidents as of September 2024. Public officials are grappling with the challenge of balancing community safety with individual rights. The city’s mayor, Keisha Owens, has repeatedly called for comprehensive gun‑control measures, including an expansion of the existing red‑flag law and increased funding for mental‑health resources.

The shooting outside Velvet Nights adds another layer to the city’s complex conversation about crime prevention, law‑enforcement response, and the role of regulated adult‑entertainment businesses in urban environments. As the investigation continues, residents will be closely watching for any new information that could bring closure to the victim and bring justice to a community that feels shaken.

What We Know So Far

The story is still developing. As more details emerge—particularly from the police investigation, court filings, or potential arrest—citizens and stakeholders will be kept informed through reputable local news outlets and official statements from city and law‑enforcement agencies.