SMYRNA, Tenn. — One person was killed and another injured late Saturday night after gunfire broke out during a birthday party at Lara’s Event Center, according to Smyrna police. Smyrna birthday party shooting authorities say a dispute inside the venue escalated into gunfire shortly after 11 p.m., when officers were called to the event on Nissan Drive.
Police said the party was attended by roughly 50 people, many of them juveniles. Investigators believe an altercation between several attendees led to a teenager discharging a firearm inside the event space. Two people were struck by gunfire. One victim, who was not involved in the earlier dispute, was flown by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment. The second victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Responding officers located and took the juvenile suspect into custody outside the building. Police reported the firearm used was stolen from the Nashville area. The suspect now faces multiple charges as detectives continue their investigation.
A witness at the party described the moments after the shots were fired as chaotic and frightening, saying the noise initially sounded like a balloon popping before people began running for cover. The witness, who is 14, said the experience left her shaken and unable to sleep afterward.
Lara’s Event Center released a statement expressing regret over the incident and its condolences to the victim’s family. The venue said it is cooperating with authorities and will not provide further comment while the investigation is ongoing.