Police in Charleston, South Carolina, say they are responding to an “active shooter” who has taken hostages and shot at least one person at a downtown restaurant.
Emergency responders including a SWAT team swarmed the downtown restaurant, Virginia's on King, where the shooter reportedly entered, locked himself in, and told patrons he was the “new king of Charleston”.
King btwn Calhoun & Morris blocked to motorist & pedestrian traffic active shooter in 400 block of King people to avoid the area.
— Charleston P.D. (@CharlestonPD) August 24, 2017
They think he has a hostage inside but not certain. He locked front door and told patrons he was the "new king of Charleston." #chsnews
— Glenn Smith (@glennsmith5) August 24, 2017
King Street in Charleston outside active shooting scene. Helicopter overhead. #chsnews pic.twitter.com/SAg4cHeuVF
— Andrew Knapp (@offlede) August 24, 2017
Charleston PD confirmed the incident is an active hostage situation by a disgruntled employee and “not an act of terrorism”, adding that “negotiations with the shooter” are underway.
Police also confirmed one shooting victim, who officers were able to recover and transport to hospital. Spokesman Charles Francis told residents to avoid the area, adding that SWAT and hostage negotiators are on the scene.
As of now the shooter remains in the building, with “a couple hostages”, according to Francis.
Explosive Devices Team now on scene off King St #chsnews #Charleston #scnews @Live5News pic.twitter.com/j9itCQZJFH
— Jackson Helms (@Jackson_Live5) August 24, 2017
Customers Tom and Patsy Plant told The Post and Courier of Charleston they were eating at Virginia’s restaurant and saw a man come out of the kitchen with a gun in his hand and said “there’s a new boss in town.”
Local business were evacuated and the Charleston School of Law campus was put on lockdown as responders worked to resolve the situation.
The city has asked that we lockdown campus until the shooter situation is resolved. 1:30 classes are cancelled.
— Charleston Law (@Charleston_Law) August 24, 2017
Authorities were called to a possible shooting on King Street just after noon, local time, according to Police spokesman Charles Francis. The street consists of a row of restaurants and shops, and is frequently visited by tourists.
Breaking into CNN: Charleston Police are working a “active shooter situation” on King Street according to Charleston Police Department.
— Elizabeth Landers (@ElizLanders) August 24, 2017
