The news out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is three people are dead and a fourth person wounded from reported gun shots stemming from an altercation involving multiple individuals, during the annual “Bikefest” festivities.

The Sun News spoke to a witness, George Covington, who said that several people were seen fighting moments before the shooting.

The Atlantic Beach Bikefest, a.k.a Black Bike Week, is typically held during Memorial Day weekend, Black Bike Week brings in thousands of African American motorcycle riders and clubs. All weekend custom bikes and flashy cars cruise up and down the Grand Strand non-stop. Atlantic Beach Bikefest draws its own unique crowd of vendors, custom bike builders, and motorcycles stuntmen that keep the party going. Much of the entertainment during Black Bike Week happens around Atlantic Beach and the North Myrtle Beach area, but lots still spill into Myrtle Beach and the rest of the Grand Strand.

While there has been some trepidation about bike weeks in Myrtle Beach in the past, plenty of hotels and restaurants still welcome the increase in revenue during the 4-day-event. Myrtle Beach Police Captain David Knipes reported during previous engagements the departments usually deal with motorcycle wrecks and lessor offenses but rarely violence. Captain Knipes also reported to the AP the shooting didn’t appear to be random although there are no suspects in custody.

The annual event has reported in the past to attract 350,000 plus participants some of whom are non bikers but who obviously contribute to the local economy during their stay. It is also worth reporting bike week participants have leveled accusations at city governments and local businesses of racial discrimination, citing different traffic rules and levels of policing during the 4 day event.

Stay tuned in for more updates.
2014 Atlantic Black Bike Week