Nov. 7, 2021 9:30a; Updated at 11a; Updated 11-8 1:40p; 10:20p with Vault and mayor reaction, photos
(WGTD)---The downtown Kenosha banquet hall that's indirectly tied to a deadly, weekend gunfight says it will cancel all live music events for the foreseeable future.
In a Facebook post, the Vault said it's "extremely saddened" by the shootings which took place in the streets and parking areas near the establishment.
28-year-old Marquis Wallace of Kenosha was killed and three others were wounded. Those wounded have all been released from area hospitals.
According to a news release from the police department, over 70 shots were fired by gunmen in "multiple" locations. The department said it had been aware that a large event was taking place and that officers were already in the area when the first shots rang out.
It's not clear what led to the gunfire, or the extent of the Vault's involvement.
Monday night the police department published three photos and asked for the public's help in identifying the drivers and passengers, saying they may have witnessed the shootings. Tipsters can pass along information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers at 262-656-7333.
Without mentioning the Vault, Mayor John Antaramian issued a statement Monday indicating that he planned to work with the City Council's License and Permit Committee on legislative action to hold license holders accountable for "this type of behavior." The committee recently approved a moratorium on new liquors licenses, pending completion of its review.
The gunfire broke out just before Sunday morning's time change, according to a woman who lives in a downtown second floor apartment.
The gunfire awakened Sarah Gleason. From a window, she watched the immediate aftermath unfold. A large crowd gathered and fights broke out. "There was a fight right here," Gleason said as she talked to a reporter on a street corner. "There was a fight over there. They were trying to go after the cops. It was just crazy," she said.
According to scanner traffic, at least one officer was pepper-sprayed.
Multiple law enforcement agencies were called in to assist Kenosha police because of the size of the crowd and attempts by some to "breach" the crime scene, according to the department's release.
Gleason said she enjoys living in downtown Kenosha but is having second thoughts. She blames the Vault for attracting a rough crowd. "Before the Vault opened up none of this happened," she said.
Police said it'll be awhile before any charges are recommended because of the "complex" nature of the investigation.
Wallace was pronounced dead at the scene.
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