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Cedar Rapids Police confirm that investigators believe two men fired more than a dozen shots inside a Cedar Rapids nightclub left a man and a woman dead and 10 people wounded early Sunday morning.

Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said that officers – who were just outside the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge because of an earlier incident – rushed inside and found the victims of the shooting, and that between 100 to 150 people ran out of the club at that time.  Officers helped treat the people who were wounded and rushed several of the victims to hospitals in squad cars.  The names of the man and woman who died were not released Sunday. Jerman said one survivor was in critical condition Sunday afternoon while the other injuries, which were all related to the gunfire.  The gunmen likely escaped as the crowd rushed out of the nightclub. Police were searching for suspects Sunday afternoon and no arrests had been reported.

Jerman said police haven’t determined the motive for the shooting but investigators believe one of the victims was targeted, adding: “This is another mindless and senseless gun-related incident involving a reckless disregard for human life. I remain livid and angered at the continued and blatant disregard and lack of respect for human life that continues. That said, I want to reassure the residents of this city that Cedar Rapids is a safe city.”  Those with information about the shooting are encouraged to call Cedar Rapids Police at 319-286-5491 or Linn County Crime Stoppers at 800-272-7463.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell urged residents to speak out against violence: “Shock, anger, grief, disappointment — just a few of the emotions that I’m sure we all feel today. And I can personally say that as a mother my heart goes out to those moms and dads today who are having the worst day of their lives. To the families of the injured, we are with you and we are praying for a swift recovery.”

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On Monday, President Joe Biden is scheduled to introduce new policy measures on firearms. Biden’s announcement comes amid growing concern about gun violence and untraceable “ghost guns” that can be 3D printed at home. As part of Monday’s policy rollout, Biden is expected to name a new replacement nominee to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

In September, the White House withdrew its last nominee, 25-year ATF veteran David Chipman, following unanimous opposition from Republicans who say the want to protect the right to bear arms. Gun violence advocates have been furious at the Biden administration for failing to lobby hard enough, in their view, for Chipman, and for waiting so long to announce a replacement.

Biden is also expected to announce fresh steps to make it harder for people to build and acquire so-called ghost guns, as many big cities have reported recovering increasing numbers of the weapons. These weapons lack serial numbers, which would enable law enforcement to track them and enforce background checks. And they are essentially available in plastic, which can bypass metal detectors.

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