VIDEO: Quick-Thinking Guard Returns Fire on Gunman Outside Busy Nightclub

A security guard at a Chattanooga nightclub acted swiftly when a gunman opened fire on a crowd outside the venue, preventing what could have been a mass shooting. Surveillance footage captured the intense shootout, showing the guard tracking the shooter and returning fire, ultimately neutralizing the threat before police arrested the suspect.

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CHATTANOOGA, TN (2-minute read) — A security guard at a Chattanooga nightclub is being hailed as a hero after stopping an attempted mass shooting in the club’s parking lot. The dramatic confrontation unfolded just before 2 a.m. on January 26 outside Dream nightclub when a gunman opened fire on a group of people.

Surveillance footage captured the harrowing moment as the gunman, later identified as a 24-year-old man, began shooting recklessly into the crowd. Reacting immediately, a club security guard—wearing body armor—stepped in front of fleeing patrons, raised his firearm, and returned fire with remarkable precision.

The footage showed the guard firing approximately two dozen rounds in response, briefly pausing before tracking the gunman and continuing to engage. The suspect, who suffered a non-life-threatening injury to his hand, fled the scene but was later arrested when he sought medical treatment at a hospital.

Joe Reed, the head of security for Dream nightclub, suggested the attack was premeditated. “You could tell it was plotted,” Reed stated, commending the security staff for their decisive response. The nightclub’s co-owner, JaMichael Smith, also praised the guard for his quick actions, emphasizing that his response prevented innocent lives from being lost.

Additional footage revealed that the suspect had parked his car away from the club before walking toward the venue, using parked vehicles as cover before launching his attack. This tactical approach indicates a level of planning that reinforces the importance of trained security personnel in public establishments.

Reed made it clear that Dream nightclub has zero tolerance for violence, stating, “If anyone comes down here with that foolishness, they know now that Dream security will respond.”

Safety Tip: If you carry a firearm for self-defense, whether as a civilian or security personnel, always practice proper firearm handling, accuracy under stress, and awareness of your surroundings to ensure you can react effectively in dangerous situations.