About 10,000 people were gathered in the National Western Complex in Denver for the 38th annual Colorado Motorcycle Expo. The annual event comprises such things as motorcycle swaps, music, an auction, tattooing and piercings and a wet t-shirt contest. It was scheduled to be held on Saturday and Sunday and is one of the biggest motorcycle events in the United States.
Shortly before 1 p.m. Saturday, violence erupted on a stairwell where, according to witnesses, there were multiple shots fired, a stabbing and fist fights. It is believed the violence was the result of a feud between two rival motorcycle clubs although Denver Police Chief Robert White would not confirm this. The chief said he was not ready to name the two clubs.
According to White, one person was shot dead, three more were wounded by gunfire and three others were injured, presumably in fist fights. Police believe there was more than one shooter.
The dead man as well as the injured were taken to the Denver Medical Health Center. Of the injured, three were described as being in critical condition and three in serious condition. The hospital went into lockdown as a precaution to protect patients and staff but the lockdown was lifted later in the afternoon.
According to witnesses, many of whom did not want their names released out of fear of retaliation, said people began scattering after the first shots were fired, a couple of them diving under tables. After the shots were fired, the fight continued with knives and fists. Another witness said he saw a bunch of bikers beating a man at the top of the stairs.
Britney Shaw, who was selling jewellery at the show, said she saw about 50 men fighting on a stairwell that was covered in blood.
Bob Cook, who had a booth selling leather goods, said as soon as the fighting stopped, everything returned to normal although there were pools of blood on the floor. He described people as being “desensitized.”
At a press conference Saturday evening, Chief White was asked whether any members of law enforcement were members of motorcycle clubs and at the event. White said he didn’t know but added no members of the Denver Police Department were involved.
The show continued Saturday because the organizers felt it was safe. There was a large police presence and anyway, most of the patrons had left. Sunday’s portion of the expo was cancelled to allow the investigation to continue and to ensure the safety of the patrons.
Although one man was taken into custody and described as a “person of interest,” there have been no arrests.
