Midtown NYC nightclub shut down after shooting incident

Baby’s nightclub in Midtown Manhattan was shut down after a series of violent incidents. The club was only open for four months before city authorities deemed it a “public nuisance.” City officials are now involved in civil lawsuits surrounding the club’s operations. The nightclub opened last fall and quickly attracted big-name rappers like Bobby Shmurda. However, the city alleges the club operated without a proper liquor license. Police reports indicate that violence erupted on two occasions: once during a Halloween party when a gun was pulled, and again in December when a clubgoer was shot in the head. The ownership of the nightclub is now a matter of dispute. Real estate developer Ian Reisner asserts he holds the lease, while nightlife promoter Maureen “Baby” Lupo claims he falsely took the space from her. Reisner has hired a private investigator to support his claims. Meanwhile, the city is seeking a court order to close the club for a year due to safety concerns. In addition to the closure, three employees, including Lupo, are facing misdemeanor charges for selling liquor without a license. The legal battle began last summer after Reisner signed a lease to develop the space. While plans included transforming it into a hospitality and entertainment venue, the disputes led to the nightclub operating amid legal uncertainty. Both the club's past events and the recent violence highlight the challenges New York faces in regulating nightlife. The police received multiple calls about incidents at the location, prompting city action to shut down the venue. The next court hearing is scheduled for April 2, as the legal issues surrounding Baby's nightclub continue to unfold.