Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin Releases Statement on Vista Shootings

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO )– Columbia Mayor Benjamin released the following statement on Saturday’s shooting in the Vista.

“On behalf of the entire city family, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin denounces the violence that took place in the early hours of Saturday, Sept. 16 in
one of Columbia’s most popular entertainment districts.
“Our city is alive and vibrant today with Carolina Football, the Greek Festival, the Soda City Market and the Jubilee Festival,” said Mayor Benjamin. “We are thankful for our men and
women in law enforcement.”

“Our businesses are open, and we are not going to let some outside troublemakers define who we are to our guests. We continue to pray for all of the innocent souls and families hurt last night.”

“The Columbia Police Department (CPD), Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Federal and state law enforcement agencies continue to investigate this matter. All of those responsible for
these crimes will be brought to justice.”

The CPD has declared Empire Supper Club at 920 Lady St. a public nuisance as defined by the Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia. The grounds for this revocation are found in
Section 8-31(c)5 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia.