Featured Image Credit: Instagram/Alamy
Topics: US News, Film and TV, Celebrity, The Office
Tom Wood
A gunman has opened fire at a comedy club where an event was taking place starring The Office star Craig Robinson.
Robinson, who is best known for playing Darryl in the US version of Ricky Gervais’ hit TV show, was set to perform at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday night when a gunman burst into the venue demanding that everyone leave the building, sending the audience scattering.
Everyone, including Robinson, was forced to flee the venue into another space next door in order to stay safe.
As a result of the incident, Robinson’s performance was cancelled.
Advert
No injuries have been reported and the man carrying the gun has since been arrested after shooting randomly outside the venue.
Following the terrifying ordeal, Robinson updated fans on his Instagram account.
He wrote: “I’m performing at the Comedy Zone in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“There was an active shooter in the comedy club. So they moved us over to this — there’s a concert going on so I thought I’d just share with y’all,”
He continued: “I’m safe. I’m cool. It was wild I was in the green room and they’re like ‘everybody get out!’ It was a moment for sure.”
A spokesperson for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed that the gunman arrived at the venue at around 9:15pm, at which point several patrons of the comedy club said he ‘pointed a firearm at them and made threats of bodily harm’.
He then discharged the weapon, but no-one was injured.
Police have now taken the man into custody.
The suspect has not been named, but authorities did confirm that he has a previous felony conviction.
The next day, Robinson posted to say: “About last night.... Thank you to the Comedy Zone security and staff for getting us to safety quickly.
“Thank you everyone for your outpouring of support and well wishes."
“Thank you CMPD for swift action in apprehending the shooter.
“Hopefully he gets the help he needs. Thanks be to God no one was hurt. Please stay safe everyone.”
Robinson is known for his performance alongside Steve Carell in The Office, but has also starred in several films, notably working alongside Seth Rogen on projects such as Pineapple Express, Sausage Party, Zack and Miri Make a Porno and This is the End.
He’s also appeared in a number of successful commercials, as well as voicing characters in films such as Shrek Forever After and The Bad Guys.
If you have a story you want to tell, send it to UNILAD via [email protected]