Watch CBS News

Gunmen Open Fire During Comedy Show At Sports Bar In Bloomfield

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A comedy show turned into horror when gunmen fired dozens of shots at a sports bar in New Jersey.

Now, police are looking for the suspects.

As CBS2's Tracee Carrasco reported, the windows and front door have been boarded up, and the Sports In The City Lounge has been shut down.

The sound of gunfire and screams sent a look of panic across comedian Toni Byrd's face as bullets started flying during her standup routine at the bar on First Avenue in Bloomfield Friday night.

"We were having a good time, everyone was laughing, there was nothing that seemed out-of-pocket or out-of-place. I think 5-6 minutes after I was on stage is when the gunfire exploded," Byrd said. "There was a little room in back of me, and I just kind of flew under the couch. I was just full of fear. I didn't know what to expect or what was gonna happen."

Five people were shot, another was hurt -- all six suffered non-life threatening injuries, and according to police one person was the intended target.

Calls to the owner were not returned, but a Facebook post on the lounge's page said, "our hearts are very apologetic to those harmed. Our goal was to create happiness through sports, food, and laughter."

Residents said there's never been an issue before.

"I've been in there a couple of times before to watch something, and no problems," Clint Thomas said, "Very sad."

Byrd -- still shaken -- can't understand why someone would do this.

"For that to happen, it was so senseless, and thank God nobody lost their life," she said.

Bloomfield police said this is still an ongoing investigation, and that they're working with the Newark Police Department to catch the suspects.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.