What happened in the Northridge shooting? Two young adults, a man and a woman between 18 and 25, were shot and killed late Friday, Oct. 2, at a crowded party at the Artist Lounge, an event space on Nordhoff Street in Northridge. The venue is about half a mile from Cal State Northridge. Police have not released the victims’ names.
What makes this case so jarring is the timing. According to CBS Los Angeles, LAPD officers had come about a noise complaint and were telling the organizers to end the party when the gunfire started. The shooter is still at large.
How did the Northridge shooting unfold?
Officers arrived on Nordhoff Street around 11 p.m. responding to reports of a loud party. As they spoke with organizers, they heard several gunshots and saw a crowd running from the scene.
Inside, officers found the man and woman with gunshot wounds, and both died at the scene. Video from the night shows people pouring out of the Artist Lounge, a nightclub and event space on the second floor of University Plaza. The shopping center sits just west of the CSUN parking lots.
What did witnesses see during the Northridge shooting?
One witness told ABC7 that it happened in seconds. He said a man pulled a gun from his waistband and shot one person, then turned toward another man, missed him and hit someone else in the back. KTLA also reported a witness account that the shooter appeared to be targeting two specific people.
Police say a possible third victim may have been hit and left before officers arrived. That person had not been found as of Saturday.
Who was at the party where the Northridge shooting happened?
Police said the private party was promoted on social media. Early reports suggested it may have been an open mic night. FOX 11 reported that dozens of teenagers were at the second-floor gathering.
After the shooting, dozens of people were lined up with their hands in zip ties or handcuffs while police questioned them. No arrests have been announced.
What has the venue said about the Northridge shooting?
The Artist Lounge, which rents its space for parties and classes, told CBS Los Angeles it was deeply saddened by the shooting and sent its thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
What questions remain after the Northridge shooting?
Many. Police have not identified the victims or said whether they had any connection to CSUN. Investigators have not described a motive, and the suspect description released so far is limited.
There are also questions about the venue and the event. A crowded party, promoted online, drew a noise complaint before shots were fired. Readers will want to know who organized it, how many people were inside and whether the venue had security on site.
For the families of two young people who went out on a Friday night and didn’t come home, the most urgent question is who did this. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the LAPD.
