A manhunt is underway in the American city of Cincinnati, in Ohio, for up to two gunmen, after a shooting at a nightclub.
One person is dead and 15 are injured after the shooting at the packed nightclub
The incident early on Sunday morning (local time) was apparently the result of an argument that may have started earlier in the day turning violent, authorities said.
Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley said there was no evidence of "a terrorist attack," as with last year's Pulse nightclub slaughter in Orlando, Florida that killed 49 people in the deadliest mass shooting in US history.
"However to the victims, what difference does it make?" Mr Cranley said. "People were just going to have a good time and ended up getting shot."
No arrests have been made.
One person is dead and 15 injured after a shooting at the Cameo Nightlife in Cincinnati, Ohio. Photo: Screenshot / ABC 9
Hundreds of people were partying inside Cameo Nightlife, a club with a history of gun violence, including two shootings in 2015, City Manager Harry Black said in a statement.
Authorities believe multiple gunmen were involved in the shooting, which grew out of "some kind of dispute" inside the bar, Police Chief Eliot Isaac said.
The disagreement may have been started earlier in the day, Mr Black said.
"At this point it's unclear exactly what instigated the shooting," police Captain Kimberly Williams said at a televised briefing. "Just a lot of chaos when the shots went off."
Four police officers, who were providing security in the parking lot when the shots rang out, ran into the club and treated victims, the Mr Isaac said. In addition to those hit by gunfire, several people sustained minor injuries attempting to flee.
My heart goes out to my city Cincinnati. Prayers going up for the victims and their families. We love you. #prayforcincinnati #cameo
— Isaac wright (@I_Zac33) March 26, 2017
Police did not have a good description of the suspects, in part because witnesses were reluctant to cooperate, Mr Williams told WCPO television.
The man who was killed was identified by authorities as 27-year-old O'Bryan Spikes. Two of the injured were in critical condition, a University of Cincinnati Medical Center spokeswoman said. The others hit by gunfire were in stable conditions in other area hospitals, and some were treated and released.
Ohio Governor John Kasich sent his condolences and offered state help in the case.
"Saddened to learn about last night's shooting in Cincinnati," Mr Kasich said on Twitter. "Our prayers are with the victims and families of all of those involved."
Cameo Nightlife's Facebook page says it features "College Friday's" for students 18 and older and "Saturday's 21+ grown and sexy night."
The club, a large single-story structure, is an 11 km drive from downtown Cincinnati near the southeast corner of the city, the heart of the second largest metropolitan area in Ohio with more than 2 million residents.
- Reuters
