12 people shot at Metro East lounge [Video]

VENICE, Illinois — Noots Lounge in Venice, Illinois, was closed on Tuesday.

The parking lot in the small town of 1,500 people was empty, and only the sounds of passing cars on Broadway could be heard.

Police said shortly after 1 a.m. on Nov. 24, 12 people were shot inside and outside of the building when a hail of gunfire ripped across the business on Broadway. 

“It’s insane and it’s a shame,” said Ken Truitt, who runs a barbershop next door. “That’s almost a massacre. Could have been.”

Two weeks ago, 5 On Your Side tried to learn more information, but Venice police Chief Kevin Knox would not confirm a shooting occurred, only saying that there was an “ongoing investigation.”

5 On Your Side asked for a police report under the Illinois Freedom of Information …