Gay newlywed dies in hospital after clashing with bouncer at ‘LGBT-friendly’ bar
Christopher McKinney (left) with his husband Nicholas Clark
A gay man has died after an altercation with a bouncer at an LGBT-friendly bar.
Christopher McKinney, 35, died after the incident at Nowhere bar in Louisville, Kentucky, early on Sunday morning.
Louisville Police said that McKinney was being escorted out over “unruly behaviour” when he got into an altercation with a bouncer that resulted in him being knocked out.
He was rushed to hospital but passed away from his injuries.
Police investigated the incident, but no charges have so far been filed over the death of McKinney, who had only tied the knot with husband Nicholas Clark in October 2019.
There is no evidence the death was a hate crime, police added.
Gay bar patrons ‘concerned’ about security after death of Christopher McKinney.
However, the death has caused consternation in the local LGBT+ community, with some alleging the venue has a history of roughly handling patrons.
Local man Darien Dickerson-Green told local outlet WAVE3: “I can’t go back into Nowhere bar until things change. [People] are upset. They are hurt.
“A lot of people are talking about this consistent behaviour that takes place with bouncers at this particular establishment that is supposed to be LGBTQ-friendly.”
Nowhere Bar is facing questions over the incident
Community activist Jaison Gardner added: “What I do know is people in my community have been concerned for quite some time about the state of affairs there as it relates to security.”
Locals show their anger at bar.
The bar said in a statement: “First and foremost, our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Christopher McKinney.
“Due to the pending police investigation, we are unable to comment or provide more details on the tragic incident that occurred on Sunday morning.
“We are fully cooperating with the authorities as well as conducting our own internal investigation into what exactly occurred, as it is always our number one priority to provide a safe environment for all of our customers.”
However, people from across the community have flooded its Facebook page with messages about the incident.
One wrote: “Security at this place has always been way too aggressive. It was only a matter of time before they killed someone.
“I hope Nowhere and all involved parties are held accountable because this is unconscionable. I hope they don’t make another penny at this place.”
Another wrote: ” I hope this establishment never makes another penny. I do not suggest going to this place or giving them a dime.”
Louisville Police said the case has been turned over to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to determine any charges.
Police said: “Through multiple interviews that were conducted, at no time did any information arise that would lead us to believe that this incident should be categorised as a hate crime.”
