One seriously injured after shooting at a Wilmington nightclub

Madison Lipe, Wilmington StarNews
Updated ·2 min read
Wilmington Police Department responded to a shooting at Pravda nightclub downtown early Sunday morning. One person was seriously injured and a suspect is being held at the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Detention Center.
Wilmington Police Department responded to a shooting at Pravda nightclub downtown early Sunday morning. One person was seriously injured and a suspect is being held at the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Detention Center.

A 29-year-old man is facing multiple charges after a shooting early Sunday morning at a Wilmington nightclub.

Shortly before 2 a.m., Wilmington police officers heard gunshots coming from inside a nearby club at 23 N. Front St., which is home to Pravda. According to a news release from the Wilmington Police Department, a large crowd fled outside the club.

Officers immediately responded to the scene and a suspect was identified and take into custody after a brief foot pursuit, according to the release.

A victim was located inside of the nightclub and officers provided aid until EMS arrived and the victim was then taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Antonio Beatty is facing Attempted First-Degree Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

Pravda nightclub is located at 23 N. Front St. in downtown Wilmington. A 29-year-old man is facing multiple charges after a shooting at the nightclub early Sunday morning.
Pravda nightclub is located at 23 N. Front St. in downtown Wilmington. A 29-year-old man is facing multiple charges after a shooting at the nightclub early Sunday morning.

Beatty is currently being held at the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Detention Center without bond.

In 2022, Beatty was found not guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the 2015 shooting death of 25-year-old Carlton Whitley. Beatty remained in custody for seven years awaiting his trial.

In a post on its Facebook page, Pravda management addressed the shooting as it commended "our brave security staff who were instrumental in assisting the police in the immediate apprehension and arrest of the suspect and helping our patrons safely exit."

"We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate this deplorable event," the statement read. "As details continue to emerge, this appears to be an isolated incident between two individuals. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. We are shocked and saddened how one person's random heinous act can negatively affect so many people, and we remain extremely dedicated to ensuring the safety of our patrons and our downtown community."

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Wilmington Police Department at 910-343-2609 or to use the Tip 411 app.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: After shooting at Wilmington, NC, nightclub, suspect faces charges