WASHINGTON — There are questions about a club's security after a shooting outside just seconds after a man was kicked out. Six people were shot including five employees of Decades in Dupont Circle. The club remains closed while the employees recover from their injuries. According to court documents, the suspect not only confessed, but he also told police where to find the gun that he stashed under a car around the corner.
Rennwel Mantock, 29, told officers he was inside Decades in the 1200 block of Connecticut Ave, NW "dancing on a lady" when a security guard told him he had to leave. Mantock said the security guard "grabbed him by the neck and punched him in the face" dragging him downstairs, punching him again, and eventually throwing him onto the sidewalk outside. That’s when Mantock told officers he pulled out his gun and started shooting. Six people were hit including the security guard and four other club employees.
WUSA9 obtained a cellphone video that captured a chaotic scene outside the club just before midnight. Officers were on a gun recovery detail a block away and drove to the scene after hearing the gunshots. Witnesses directed the officers to the suspect.
"We don't want anybody to come to a club to have a good time and be confronted with a person willing to use a gun," said Mayor Muriel Bowser.
When WUSA9 asked the Mayor how the shooting impacted the city’s efforts to encourage people to come downtown she replied, "I think that's really a question for my friends in the media I know you all didn't report that we had like over a week when violence when down and homicide didn't happen, I know you didn't report that that's ‘OK’ I'll tell you."
Bowser said last week was a relatively peaceful one and thanked MPD officers.
"Our business owners, our nightclubs, our ABC licensees, they have an extra duty when they invite people into their facilities to ensure safety and we're going to hold them accountable for doing that," said the Mayor.
Police posted bright orange notice of closure signs hours after the shooting the club shut down until at least Wednesday when the alcoholic beverage control board will hold a hearing on the future of its liquor license. According to ABCA, if the board suspends the club’s liquor license, they have three days to appeal the decision.
It is still unclear how Mantock got the gun in the club. Mantock is charged with first-degree felony assault with intent to kill. He is behind bars and will return to court on May 7.
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