1 dead, at least 4 injured after gunman opens fire at downtown Nashville coffee shop during Easter brunch

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: One man was killed and at least four others were left injured after a person opened fire at a coffee shop near downtown Nashville on Sunday, March 30 afternoon.

WKRN reports that two additional individuals were transferred to adjacent hospitals due to concerns unrelated to gunshot injuries. Anton Rucker, 46, who remains at large, has been identified by authorities as the suspected gunman. 

Suspected gunman Anton Rucker was previously arrested on aggravated assault charges

The incident was reported shortly after 3 pm at Roasted Salemtown, near Nashville's Germantown, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. 

Don Aaron, the public information officer for the MNPD, stated that the gunman started shooting before making off in a Mercedes GLS 450.

He elaborated, "This was not a shootout, if you will. This was one person who decided to pull a gun based on an altercation occurring with another man, and then he fired multiple shots, resulting in the injuries I’ve just described."

On X (formerly Twitter), the police department wrote, "BREAKING: Detectives are working to determine the motive for this gunman opening fire during Sunday brunch at Roasted on Garfield St. 1 man killed, several others hurt, non-critically. Shooting occurred at 3 p.m. Gunman fled in this Mercedes GLS 450. Know him? 615-862-8600."

Authorities also released images of the suspected gunman and his Mercedes and stated that they are "almost certain" they know who he is.

"Tragically, Easter was disrupted by gun violence in my neighborhood at one of our wonderful small businesses," said Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell in a social media post, according to WTVF. 

He added, "@MNPDNashville has the area secured, and @NashvilleFD EMS has taken care of victims. My heart goes out to those who had their holiday disrupted by gun violence."

In another X (formerly Twitter) post, the Metro Nashville Police Department identified the suspected gunman, writing, "Convicted felon Anton Rucker, 46, is being sought for the homicide at Roasted Salemtown."

They continued, "He has agg assault convictions in Nashville & was arrested in Murfreesboro on felony drug charges last 10/31, and on agg assault & gun charges last Aug. See Rucker? Pls 615-862-8600."

Authorities also identified the person killed in the incident as 33-year-old Allen Beachem.

Netizens fume over downtown Nashville shooting incident

One expressed, "DOES THIS PLACE SERVE ALCOHOL? ISNT THERE LAWS THAT ONE CANNOT CARRY A FIREARM INTO A ESTABLISHMENT THAT SELLS ALCOHOL? THAT IS A MAJOR CRIME..."

Another added, "Another convicted felon breaking the law. If only there was another law or ten, maybe then all would be well. Right?"

"On EASTER SUNDAY Find that POS and put him away for life," raged a person. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.