Purple Haze/Facebook
Four people were shot early Monday morning at the Purple Haze nightclub close to Beale Street, according to WREG, and the incident comes about two weeks after the club was legally allowed to stay open until 5 a.m.
The club and the area around it has been the site of numerous shootings, fights, and more, mostly in the early-morning hours. Monday’s shooters were able to sneak their guns through what Purple Haze owners called “strict security procedures.”
City officials and the Downtown Memphis Commission argued in court against the club being allowed to stay open until 5 a.m., like Beale Street clubs. They argued Purple Haze was not inside the Beale Street Historic District.
Club owners said they are “cooperating fully in the ongoing investigation into this unfortunate incident.”
“We offer our deepest sympathies and prayers for quick healing to those that were injured, including one of our very own security officers, in the altercation that happened at Purple Haze Nightclub early this morning.
“While measures were in place to detect the possession of firearms as patrons enter the club we are unsure at this time how those that discharged firearms were able to do so despite our strict security procedures.
“As the safety and security of our guests and employees are our utmost concern we are temporarily closing for two weeks to review operations.”
