One person is dead after a shooting involving a security guard at a Columbia nightclub early Wednesday morning, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Shooting Reported at Club Barcode
Deputies responded to Club Barcode on O’Neil Court around 1 a.m. after reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found a man with multiple gunshot wounds outside the nightclub and immediately began providing aid.
Security Guard Says He Fired After Man Pulled Gun
Authorities identified the dead man as 28-year-old Desmond T. Montgomery.
Investigators said security guard Nicholas Horton told deputies an argument inside the club led to a man and woman being escorted outside by security staff.
According to deputies, the woman became aggressive and was pepper-sprayed by another guard.
Police said Montgomery then went to his car, returned, and allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband after asking who had sprayed the woman.
Horton told investigators he then shot Montgomery multiple times.
Weapon Recovered at Scene
Deputies said a firearm was found near Montgomery at the scene.
Montgomery was taken to a hospital where he later died.
Authorities also secured Horton’s weapon as part of the investigation.
Second Security Guard Shooting at Club This Year
The sheriff’s department noted this was the second shooting involving a security guard at Club Barcode since January.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
