TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – The Tuscaloosa City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to revoke the operating license of CRU Lounge after a lengthy hearing at City Hall.
This comes after police say 28-year-old Rashid Little was shot and killed by CRU Lounge security guard Aaron Hill in January. Police say there was an altercation shortly before the shooting.
At the hearing, both sides presented their case and called witnesses.
The city released a video taken from inside the club that shows Little getting into an altercation with Hill and another bouncer before getting into a fist fight. Police say the incident ended up in the CRU parking lot, where Little was allegedly shot and killed by Hill.
City officials said the lounge was a danger to the public and needed to be closed, but the owners implored them not to close because they didn't know what would happen. The owners of the lounge expressed their regret over the incident. They also say they do a lot for the community and deserve a second chance.
One of CRU's co-owners was asked if anything could have been done to prevent Little's shooting.
“I hate that this situation is happening. Yes, sir, he was on top of me, punching me, choking me, and they were into it. That's why the security guard and the other two… I can see them trying to pull him away,” said Kevin Davis, co-owner of CRU Lounge. “It happened so fast. I know you never want something like this to happen, but it did.”
Little's family was extremely emotional before the city voted to revoke the business license.
“In my opinion, if they had called the police, everything would have been shut down,” said Little's aunt, Mary Walker. “I'm never going to see my nephew again. I'm just upset. I want him to shut it down. Close it. Shut it!”
The city also found that the security company was not licensed by the state.
Tuscaloosa's police chief is pleased with the City Council's decision, saying safety should be a top priority for businesses.
Hill is charged with Little's murder.
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