Melvin Anthony Gibson Obituary, Death; – A security guard tragically lost his life while attempting to protect others at a nightclub in Florence early Saturday morning, as reported by Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. at the Qulture Bistro located on East Palmetto Street.
Sheriff Joye noted that one victim with gunshot wounds was found near the entrance of the building, while six additional victims were discovered inside. Deputies also identified several vehicles in the parking lot that had been hit by gunfire. All victims were promptly transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
Florence County Coroner Keith Von Lutcken has confirmed the identity of the deceased as 39-year-old Melvin Anthony Gibson. According to Sheriff Joye, Gibson was serving as the security guard, dedicated to ensuring the safety of patrons within the venue when he was fatally injured. ‘There was a large crowd present, and the security guard prevented them from entering.
Consequently, they returned to their vehicle to retrieve firearms and returned to the scene, initiating a gunfight with the security guard. He sustained injuries, and then they entered the club and opened fire. The exact number of shots fired is still unknown as we await the coroner’s report following the autopsy.
He was fulfilling his duty to protect the individuals inside the club, but they were determined to gain entry and resorted to gun violence,’ stated Joye. He further mentioned that investigators are diligently working to apprehend those responsible for the shooting and other violent occurrences that transpired over the weekend in the county.
