Nashville, Tennessee – A deadly shooting unfolded at a Nashville restaurant in Tennessee on Easter Sunday, leaving one man dead and seven others injured. The incident erupted from a heated argument between two individuals, with one of them firing multiple shots before fleeing the scene.
The altercation took place during a Sunday brunch event at Roasted Salemtown, according to Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson Don Aaron. The disagreement escalated, ultimately resulting in the death of a man identified as thirty-three-year-old Allen Beachem. Police have named 46-year-old Anton Rucker as the suspect in the case.
Aside from the fatal victim, five individuals sustained gunshot wounds, with another person suffering a graze wound during the incident. Additionally, a pregnant woman was hospitalized after experiencing a panic attack in the chaotic aftermath of the shooting.
Authorities are actively seeking assistance from the public to locate the suspect, who fled the scene in a Mercedes GLS 450. The motive behind the argument remains under investigation, with no indication of prior connection between the two involved parties.
MNPD Commander Anthony McClain described the incident as isolated, noting that there had been no previous disturbances reported at the restaurant. Police emphasized that the shooting was not a shootout, but rather the result of one individual pulling a gun during a disagreement and firing multiple shots.
The shooting, which occurred around 3 p.m., prompted a swift response from law enforcement and medical teams. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos and panic as gunshots rang out, causing individuals in Easter attire to flee the restaurant in distress.
Roasted Salemtown, co-owned by Ericka Fizer-Harvey and Will Radford, is known for its lively brunch events and close-knit community ties. Eight individuals were transported to various hospitals for treatment, with the suspect believed to have left the scene in a Mercedes GLS 450.
The suspect, who had a history of legal issues including aggravated assault and drug charges, has sparked concern among community leaders regarding gun violence. Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Metro Councilman Jacob Kupin have called for enhanced community safety measures and responsible gun ownership in response to the tragic events.