In the predawn hours of Mother’s Day, a festive night at the Qulture nightclub in Florence County, South Carolina, turned tragic, leaving 40-year-old Melvin Anthony Gibson dead and six others wounded in a mass shooting that has shaken the tight-knit community. The gunfire erupted around 2 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in the parking lot of the popular venue located in the 3000 block of East Palmetto Street. For Gibson’s family and friends, the loss is profound, as tributes pour in on social media, painting a picture of a man cherished for his warmth and presence. The incident has also sparked renewed concern among residents about the safety of nightlife in the region, prompting calls for stronger security measures and community action to curb gun violence.
According to Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye, deputies responded swiftly to reports of shots fired, arriving to a chaotic scene where an altercation among patrons had escalated into deadly violence. Emergency personnel pronounced Gibson deceased at the scene, a grim outcome that has left the community reeling. The six surviving victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, were rushed to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging in severity. As of late Sunday, authorities had not provided updates on their conditions, leaving families and loved ones anxiously awaiting news.
Sheriff Joye described the incident as stemming from a disturbance that spiraled out of control, though the precise motive remains unclear. Investigators are meticulously combing through surveillance footage from the nightclub and surrounding areas, hoping to identify the shooter or shooters responsible. Witnesses present during the altercation are being interviewed, but details about the sequence of events are still emerging. The sheriff emphasized the critical role of community cooperation, urging anyone with firsthand knowledge—whether video evidence or personal accounts—to come forward. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has provided contact information for direct tips, while Crime Stoppers of the Pee Dee offers an anonymous reporting option to encourage reluctant witnesses to share what they know.
The Qulture nightclub, a staple of Florence’s nightlife, has remained silent in the wake of the tragedy, offering no public statement as of Sunday evening. The lack of comment has fueled frustration among some residents, who are questioning the venue’s security protocols and whether more could have been done to prevent such an outcome. Community leaders have echoed these concerns, pointing to the incident as a stark reminder of the risks associated with large gatherings in high-traffic social areas, particularly during late-night hours. Discussions about enhanced patrols, stricter entry policies, and collaboration between venue owners and law enforcement have begun to surface, with local officials signaling a willingness to address these issues head-on.
For Florence County, the shooting is not an isolated event but part of a broader struggle with gun violence that has plagued communities nationwide. The loss of Melvin Anthony Gibson, described by friends as a vibrant and beloved figure, underscores the human toll of such incidents. Online tributes highlight his infectious smile and generous spirit, with one post calling him “the heart of every room he walked into.” As the investigation progresses, authorities are under pressure to deliver answers and justice, not only for Gibson’s family but for a community grappling with grief and fear. Sheriff Joye has promised regular updates, and detectives are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this devastating moment. In the meantime, the call for information grows louder, with hopes that collective action will bring clarity and closure to a community in mourning.
