UPDATE: Four suspects were arrested Saturday in connection with the Vista shooting.
Eight people were injured just after 2 a.m. Saturday when shots rang out in the Vista area of downtown Columbia. Some victims are in critical condition, according to the Columbia Police Department. CPD officials described the shooting as an "intentional act" with two parties targeting each other.
Officers patrolling the area responded "within seconds" to the Empire Supper Club, 920 Lady St. Empire's business license has been revoked and the business has been deemed a public nuisance. Officials say there were prior incidents at the location.
No arrests have been made in connection with the incident as of Columbia Police's Saturday afternoon update, but police are interviewing multiple witnesses and "persons of interest." Columbia Police released surveillance images of two "vehicles of interest," a Mustang and a BMW, Saturday morning. Two other cars are in police custody as part of the investigation.
Victims range from 22 to 52 years old. Most victims were in their mid-twenties, and all of the victims were taken to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital.
Park Street was blocked off by investigators from Gervais Street to Lady Street. CPD said they are working with the Richland County Sheriff's Department and other local law enforcement agencies to determine if there are any connections to other crimes in the area.
The Vista, one of Columbia's largest entertainment districts, is popular with USC students and close to university facilities such as Colonial Life Arena.
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin addressed the incident on Twitter, writing that he is "Sick & tired of this culture of senseless violence that grips our country."
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.