News Release: Fatal Club Shooting

05/13/26

This morning, Wednesday, May 13, at approximately 01:00 a.m. deputies responded to a shooting that occurred at the 224 O’Neil court, club Bar Code. On arrival they were informed by a security guard, who stated that he had shot the man, who was lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies immediately began rendering aide and secured the scene.

A security guard, identified as Nicholas Horton, 41, informed deputies that he was working when an altercation inside the club started between two individuals. He and another guard, identified as Mark Hammond, were escorting the man and a woman out. Once outside the woman became unruly and aggressive towards Hammond at which time he pepper sprayed her. The man went to his car and returned to ask the woman who sprayed her. When she pointed at Hammond, the other security guard, Horton saw the man lift his shirt and draw a gun from his waistband at which time he shot him multiple times.

Deputies did locate a weapon by the man lying on the floor and also secured Horton’s weapon. The suspect was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

This is an ongoing investigation, and we are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

This is the second shooting by a security guard at this club this year. The previous shooting occurred in January, when Hammond shot a patron in the parking lot.

On background

The legislature has granted SLED licensed security officers the authority and power of sheriffs while on the property the officer is hired to protect. See S.C.Code Ann. § 40-17-130 (1986). Thus, like the police, licensed security officers perform a law enforcement function and act in an official capacity while on the property they are hired to protect.