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Cincinnati police are investigating a shooting that injured three people early Sunday outside an Over-the-Rhine (OTR) nightclub, the second multi-victim incident at the same location this month, FOX19 NOW reported.
The latest shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. outside Privee on Elm Street.
It follows a Nov. 2 incident in which four people were shot in the same area, bringing the total to seven victims in November.
READ HERE: 3 hospitalized after shooting outside Over-the‑Rhine Bar, neighbors demand action
Earlier warnings raised about the nightclub
After the Nov. 2 shooting, Councilman Seth Walsh told FOX19 NOW he had previously raised concerns about Privee with the city manager’s office, foreshadowing the need for a thorough investigation of the Cincinnati OTR nightclub shooting.
The club’s owner, Paul Joiner, declined to comment in detail but told FOX19 NOW,
“I don’t want to make any comments, but we are going to do what we can to make Cincinnati safe for our community.”
Neighbor says violence is escalating
A nearby resident, who asked not to be identified, told FOX19 NOW he believes the danger is increasing and therefore supports the ongoing investigation into the shootings at the OTR nightclub.
“The city is well aware of this establishment and they’re well aware that they run a substantial risk. That every day that they operate people will die.”
He urged the city to act before the violence turns fatal.
“Fortunately the seven victims are so far living, but it’s a statistics game. Eventually they’re going to die.”
Meanwhile, another neighbor had spoken about how the situation was already between “life and death” according to a WLWT report.
He told WLWT that he asked the establishment’s owner to close it following the lives lost due to shooting in the same month.
City official cites legal challenges
Walsh said taking direct action against the club is difficult because the shootings occur outside the establishment, complicating the Cincinnati OTR nightclub shooting investigation.
“It requires an extra legal step to prove there’s an actual connection between the incident that happened in the bar. They’re still legally protected because they’re only responsible for things inside the bar,”
Walsh explained to FOX19 NOW.
He noted that residents have met with the city, and police have increased patrols, but he believes the owner must also take responsibility for the safety issues surrounding the business.
“We have a bar across the street that’s been open for 10+ years. We’ve never had these problems. We had another bar in that exact location that never had these incidents. Why are we not able to get this wrapped up? That’s going to take everyone coming to the table.”
Meanwhile, Cincinnati City Councilmember Mark Jeffreys says he is reviewing possible legal steps to close the nightclub, telling WLWT that the venue has only been open for a short time but has already been linked to “multiple shootings and repeated disturbances,” issues that did not exist before the bar opened.
Police told WLWT they have increased patrols in the area, but officers have not made any arrests related to the recent shootings.
Police seeking information
Cincinnati police continue to investigate as part of the broader Cincinnati OTR nightclub shooting investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact District One at (513) 352-3505 or Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040.
Furthermore, the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) also released a statement on Monday to FOX19, stating about boosting visible patrols, detailing its high-tech enforcement efforts, and engaging the community as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat violence in North OTR.
Here’s the statement from FOX19:
“Residents and visitors to the north OTR area should expect to see a highly visible increase in police presence nearby. It is our goal for people frequenting this area and all areas of our city – to feel safe and to be safe. CPD aggressively pursues arrest of violent offenders, through the continued efforts of our Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), our Place-Based Investigations of Violent Territories (PIVOT), our District Violent Crimes Squads, and our uniformed police officers patrolling our streets each and every day. CPD leaders are communicating with area residents and businesses to discuss concerns and to collaborate regarding the best solutions for our community. This current increase in police visibility is only one of many steps we anticipate taking to improve community safety here.”
Historical context and community impact
Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine sits at the heart of one of Cincinnati’s most historic neighborhoods, just steps from Findlay Market and Rhinegeist Brewery. This ongoing investigation into the nightclub shooting has far-reaching implications for the community.
While the area has seen significant revitalization over the years, it is also no stranger to crime.
According to the City of Cincinnati’s 2024 Annual Statistical Review, firearm-related incidents remain a critical concern.
The combination of nightlife, narrow streets, and dense residential housing makes the impact of violence especially acute for residents, many of whom feel trapped between preserving the area’s vibrancy and demanding public safety.
Also read:
Law-enforcement officials report gains in coordinated effort to tackle downtown Cincinnati crime
