Capitol Police to step up patrols after mass shooting at downtown Jackson bar

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Expect to see more police patrols in downtown Jackson after a mass shooting two days ago that killed one person and injured five others.

Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey said they’re working out details on changing how they cover the downtown area, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, when businesses typically see large crowds.

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

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

The names of the five people injured have not been released, but they range in age from 19 to 24.

Investigators have not identified a suspect or motive in the case.

Luckey said the incident itself is frustrating because they’re trying to improve Jackson’s perception, but also highlighted the challenges of policing private businesses when violent acts take place.

“It does hit home a little bit more whenever you’re dealing with an age range like you’re dealing with here. I mean, the victims of this shooting ranged anywhere from 19 to 25 years old. I mean, at the prime of their life, still children in some respects,” Luckey said. “And it’s sad that, you know, the community as a whole can’t just go have fun, relax, and enjoy themselves on a Friday night without having to worry about who’s in an argument with whom and how are they going to handle it?”

Management for the Daiquiri Bar announced on Sunday they would be closing the West Capitol Street establishment until further notice.

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

“People that resort to this type of violence and these types of situations, they’re nothing more than cowards. I mean, that’s just the fact of the matter,” Luckey said. “Anybody that’s going to walk into an establishment as crowded as this one was and just open fire for something that probably was a minor reason that’s... a coward’s way of handling things.”

Luckey said the bar did have security that night, but it’s unclear how someone was able to get inside with a gun and open fire.

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