ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — New details from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Shakeys AVL show staff quickly locked down the downtown bar and sheltered customers after spotting an armed man in the parking lot before Asheville police fatally shot him early Wednesday.
The shooting happened around 2 a.m. in the parking lot at 38 N. French Broad Ave., beside Shakeys, a downtown LGBTQ+ bar known for its drag shows, karaoke, DJs and community events.
According to the SBI, Asheville police responded to reports of shots fired. Officers arrived to find “gunfire already underway” and saw “a person actively firing a weapon in the lot.”
Officers returned fire, killing the man.
Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. No officers were injured, the SBI said.
The Asheville Police Department requested the SBI conduct the independent investigation, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
The SBI said no additional details were available Wednesday. The man was taken to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. His identity has not been released.
Shakeys says staff acted quickly
In a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday, Shakeys said the man had been asked to leave the business earlier in the evening because of behavior that concerned staff.
“For almost four years, Shakeys has been a place where people come to feel safe, welcomed and part of a community. We never imagined we’d have to write a post like this.”
The business said the man later returned to the parking lot with a firearm.
“Earlier in the evening, an individual whose behaviour caused concern was asked to leave by our staff. Later, that individual was seen in the parking lot with a firearm.”
Staff immediately ushered patrons inside and secured the building.
“As soon as our staff and patrons recognized what was happening, everyone acted quickly. We got everyone inside, locked the doors, called 911 and followed the dispatcher’s instructions to get everyone down on the floor and away from the windows while we waited for law enforcement to arrive. During that time, several gunshots were fired.”
Shakeys said no employees or customers were physically injured but acknowledged the emotional toll the shooting has taken on those who were there.
“Thankfully, no members of our staff or patrons were physically injured. The incident ended when responding officers shot and killed the suspect.”
Bar says community is still processing the shooting
“Our hearts are with everyone who was there last night. Even when no one was physically hurt, experiences like this leave people shaken, and we know many of our staff, customers, neighbors and first responders are still processing what happened today.”
Shakeys also thanked its employees and patrons for remaining calm during the incident.
“There are no words to fully express how grateful we are for our staff and patrons. In a moment of fear and uncertainty, everyone came together, stayed calm, looked out for one another and followed directions without hesitation. Watching people care for each other in the middle of such a terrifying situation is something we’ll never forget. Because of everyone’s quick actions, cooperation and concern for one another, every customer and every employee inside Shakey’s made it home safely. We are incredibly thankful.”
The business also thanked the Asheville Police Department, emergency dispatchers, EMS and other first responders for their response.
Shakeys said it planned to open Wednesday despite the overnight violence.
“We will be open today. We understand that may not be the right choice for everyone, and that’s okay. For us, opening our doors is about more than business — it’s about giving our community a place to come together, support one another, ask questions or simply be around familiar faces. Based on the information available to us, we do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.”
Third APD officer-involved shooting this year
Wednesday’s shooting is the third officer-involved shooting involving the Asheville Police Department in 2026.
The first occurred April 21, when officers responding to reports of an armed man at a south Asheville shopping center fatally shot a suspect after police said he fired through a glass door at officers. The Buncombe County District Attorney later ruled the officers’ use of deadly force was justified.
The second happened June 7 at Westmont Commons Apartments, where police said an officer shot a man who allegedly charged officers with a knife. The man survived.
The SBI’s investigation remains ongoing. Once complete, the agency will submit its findings to the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether the officers’ use of deadly force was legally justified.