Capitol Police increase patrols after mass shooting at downtown Jackson bar

JACKSON, Mississippi (WLBT) – Increased police patrols are expected in downtown Jackson following the mass shooting two days ago that left one person dead and five others injured.

Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey said details of changing coverage of the downtown area are being worked out, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights when stores typically see large crowds.

He says this comes after Saturday's mass shooting at the Daiquiri Bar.

The Department of Public Safety identified the deceased victim as 25-year-old Niger Devon McGee.

The names of the five injured have not been released, but their ages range from 19 to 24.

Investigators have been unable to identify a suspect or a motive in this case.

Luckey said the incident itself was frustrating because they were trying to improve Jackson's perception, but it also highlighted the challenges of policing private companies when violence occurs.

“It hits you a little harder when you're dealing with an age group like this. I mean, the victims of this shooting were between 19 and 25 years old. I mean, in the prime of their lives, still kids in some ways,” Luckey said. “And it's sad that the community as a whole can't just have fun on a Friday night, relax and enjoy themselves without having to worry about who's fighting with who and how are they going to handle it?”

Daiquiri Bar management announced Sunday that it would close the West Capitol Street location until further notice.

Chief Luckey said the owners and employees are cooperating fully with law enforcement.

“People who resort to this kind of violence in these situations are nothing but cowards. I mean, that's just the fact,” Luckey said. “Anyone who walks into a crowded place like this and just opens fire for what is probably a trivial reason, that's … a coward's way of dealing with things.”

Luckey said the bar was guarded that night, but it was unclear how someone managed to get in with a gun and open fire.

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