CMPD: Shooting suspect said, ‘Get out of here if you don’t want to die’ in Charlotte comedy club

CHARLOTTE — Before a gunshot created chaos in a Charlotte comedy club, the suspect holding the gun allegedly told visitors, “Get out of here if you don’t want to die,” according to new police reports obtained by Channel 9.

Omar James McCombs is being held in custody for multiple charges after being accused of firing a handgun Saturday night inside The Comedy Zone in the AvidXchange Music Factory, where comedian Craig Robinson was scheduled to perform.

About 50 people were inside the comedy club, and dozens more were outside when McCombs allegedly fired a gun inside the club around 9:10 p.m. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the scene and found visitors still in the area; nobody was hurt in the incident.

CMPD officers confirmed several victims reported that McCombs pointed a gun at them and threatened to hurt them. According to warrants obtained by Channel 9 on Monday, McCombs brought a silver revolver into the club and fired at least one shot, and he also pointed the gun directly toward at least five people.

This is video of the scene. Lots of police cars are still here and dozens of customers are outside waiting to see if the show will continue. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/ENmTg8cLCM
— Tina Terry (@TinaTerryWSOC9) July 17, 2022

Police said McCombs had a felony conviction for burglary in 2009 out of New Jersey, making him unable to legally own the handgun. He’s currently facing a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon, in addition to several counts of assault by pointing a gun, and discharging a firearm. He’s currently in jail on a $90,000 bond.

The Comedy Zone canceled Sunday night’s show, and the club is normally closed Monday through Wednesday. We’ve reached out to representatives of the club for information about the incident.

AvidXchange Music Factory’s general manager talked to Channel 9 off-camera, and praised the staff and police. He said the situation was under control in about five minutes.

Robinson responded to the shooting on Instagram, expressing gratitude toward the club’s staff and CMPD.

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AvidXchange Music Factory to make security changes

The general manager of AvidXchange Music Factory said he plans to hold a roundtable meeting to talk about security issues.

Channel 9 also learned The Comedy Zone is doing a risk assessment before the next show, and plans to add magnetometers and wands.

Dr. Mike Clumpner is the president of Threat Suppression Incorporated. He studies active shooter situations and trains people around the country on how to respond.

“We have to make sure that people understand this is happening everywhere. It is happening everywhere. So that’s why we just have to warn everyone, you need to be cognizant of your surroundings,” Clumpner said. “There’s there’s lessons to be learned from every single one of these incidences, whether we as responders do well or whether we do poorly. We can always learn from these incidences.”

The next show at The Comedy Zone is slated for Wednesday night.