Jackson Mayor John Horhn is calling for a local nightclub to be shut down following a shooting that left two people dead and six injured over the weekend.
In a Sunday night press release, the mayor said he has directed city attorney Drew Martin to explore all available legal options to have The Hideaway declared a public nuisance and pursue its closure. The move comes after 20-year-old Lovdia Poindexter and 18-year-old Jada Henderson were killed, and four females, ages 18, 18, 19, and 20, and two males, ages 19 and 20, were injured at the club.
According to preliminary findings shared by law enforcement, two unidentified men wearing ski masks entered the club shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday. At least one of the suspects then pulled out a firearm and opened fire on a crowd gathered on the dance floor, police said.
“I condemn the senseless violence at The Hideaway nightclub over the weekend that took innocent lives and left others injured,” Horhn said. “My heart is with the families who are grieving, those recovering from their injuries, and everyone who experienced it. No one should have to fear for their life while enjoying an evening out.”
Jackson State University President Dr. Denise Jones Gregory acknowledged that students were among the shooting victims. She expressed support for the impacted students and their families. In response to the tragedy, the university canceled all undergraduate classes on Monday and Tuesday.
As of now, no arrests have been made in the shooting. Authorities have not publicly identified the suspects. Action has been taken elsewhere, however. Horhn confirmed that The Hideaway’s operations are currently suspended and awaiting further investigation.
Horhn added that he’s grateful Jackson will soon receive millions of dollars from the federal government to help prevent crimes like the one that occurred at the nightclub from taking place in the future. He said his team will work to hold the establishment where the shooting occurred accountable, as well.
“We look forward to strengthening our law enforcement capabilities through the Model Cities Initiative grant, with investments in personnel, investigative technology, and violence prevention,” Horhn said. “These resources will support our efforts to prevent violence and bring those responsible to justice, but we must also address places where serious violence continues to occur.”
Anyone with information about the deadly shooting or suspects is asked to contact JPD at (601) 960-1800 or Crime Stoppers at (601) 355-8477.