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COLUMBUS, Ohio - A man walked onstage in a crowded nightclub during a rock concert Wednesday night and opened fire, killing at least four people and wounding at least two others before he was shot to death by police, authorities said.
The man began shooting during the show at the Alrosa Villa and opened fire on members of the heavy metal band Damageplan just after they had begun playing, a witness said.
The witness said the gunman initially sought out the band's guitarist, who went by the name "Dimebag Darrel." According to the band's Web site, the guitarist is a former member of the heavy metal band Pantera.
Columbus police spokesman Sgt. Brent Mull said a police officer shot and killed the gunman. It wasn't immediately clear whether the officer was already at the show or had responded to an emergency call. Authorities didn't immediately provide the identities of the victims.
The witness, 22-year-old Chris Couch, said the shooting occurred about 30 seconds after Damageplan had begun playing. Couch, who was standing about 30 feet away from the stage, noticed a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and hockey jersey walk up to the stage, followed by a bouncer and another club employee.
The man in the jersey climbed onto the stage, started yelling and shot the guitarist five or six times at close range, Couch said. Couch said the gunman also shot a bouncer who pulled him off the musician.
At that point, Couch and a friend headed for the exit along with a tide of hundreds of fans.
"It was definitely a grudge. It was against something," Couch said.
Amanda Stankus, 19, who attended the show with Couch, said she initially thought the shooting was part of the show.
"I just saw the guitarist fall down, and we decided to get out of there," said Stankus.
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