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Man hospitalized after public shooting at queer bathhouse
November 26 2024, 08:15

A shooting at a queer Pennsylvania bathhouse has left one individual hospitalized. Police have charged the suspected shooter. Meanwhile, local LGBTQ+ businesses have increased security to prevent similar attacks.

Around 2:15 a.m. last Friday, police responded to reports of a man with a gun threatening people inside of Club Pittsburgh. Officers found a man on the club’s fourth floor with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and torso, WTAE reported. Officers also found the suspect in some sort of medical distress. Both men went to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Mercy Hospital, and the wounded man was reported to be in critical condition, intubated, and needing multiple surgeries to survive.

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After his release from the hospital, police arrested 55-year-old suspect William Samuels and booked him in the Allegheny County Jail. Police have charged him with attempted homicide, terroristic threats, and simple assault. Detectives from the Violent Crime Unit are investigating.

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Samuels reportedly told police that he’s homeless and rented a room at Club Pittsburgh to avoid the cold weather, CBS News reported. He snuck in the gun under his heavy coat. He said he thought he heard his girlfriend calling for help in a nearby room. He then broke into a nearby room, shot a man, and then pointed his gun at six others before police arrived. It’s unclear whether Samuels was intoxicated.

In a public Facebook post, Club Pittsburgh said it would continue to evaluate its safety, security, and admission policies.

“Our thoughts are with the victim as they recover, and we extend our sincerest gratitude to our patrons and the greater community for their continued support and understanding as we navigate this challenging time together,” the club wrote. “We are dedicated to reinforcing Club Pittsburgh as a space where all feel safe and valued.”

Billy Sharp, an assistant manager at the nearby Blue Moon bar, told WTAE, “We’re all in shock right now. I think this is devastating to us all.” The bar has instituted a “no large bag” policy since the shooting to help ensure their patrons’ safety.

Alistair McQueen, a bartender at the Blue Moon said that ever since the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, all of the bar’s staff have had active shooter training. In a public Facebook post, the bar said it would continue to evaluate its security policies for all future events. It also encouraged other local businesses to do the same.

Lyndsey Sickler, executive director of Proud Haven, a nearby overnight shelter for LGBTQ+ youth, said, “It was surprising to me because Club Pittsburgh is pretty regulated and systematic. I know people get checked, and the fact that this happened is just awful.”

P*Town Bar, another local drinking establishment, also said it would increase its security measures.

Club Pittsburgh is a private club that has been open in the city’s Strip District since 2001. The multi-level space includes an underwear and sex shop, a gym, sauna, darkroom, and rooftop deck. The club holds themed, fetish, and sex events as well as nights open to all-gender and transgender members.

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