Authorities searching for man who flashed firearm inside The Abbey in West Hollywood
Authorities are still searching for a man who reportedly flashed a firearm inside of a popular West Hollywood gay bar early Thursday morning.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, deputies were dispatched to The Abbey Food & Bar, located on N. Robertson Boulevard a little after midnight after receiving reports that a person inside had been observed with a firearm.
He had apparently been spotted by one of the bar's security guards as he attempted to hand the gun to someone else.
Deputies believe that the suspect walked out of the establishment just about five minutes prior to their arrival.
After viewing surveillance footage from inside of the bar, they did see a person armed with an object that appeared to be a firearm.
The club was evacuated as deputies searched for the suspect. They don't believe he threatened anyone inside.
"We contacted multiple businesses around the area to give them a heads up, to let them know who we were looking for," said LASD Sergeant Joana Warren.
The incident drew a massive response from local law enforcement agencies, as units from Los Angeles and Beverly Hills Police Departments also responded to the call.
The Abbey was open for business again on Thursday, but not without a number of patrons on high alert.
Just weeks after the tragic shooting at a gay bar in Colorado Springs, the LGBTQ community feels that moments like this are increasingly frightening.
"Unfortunately, it's the world we live in right now," said Cory Cooper, who noted it's hard not to worry when out on the town. "It depends on the bar. The bigger it is, there's a bit of concern. The smaller it is, I feel like it's a bit easier to see things, walk around. You feel more comfortable."
"It kind of just feels like it could happen to any of us at any moment," said Erika Repsch. "I don't live in fear, but I'm definitely nervous when going out. I'm hoping that the Abbey is doing everything they can to protect everyone, and it sounds like with what happened last night they are. They do have a heightened sense of security."
The Abbey touts one of the more sophisticated security systems in the West Hollywood area, but Recent events have sparked debate whether clubs need to have better systems in place.
For some, increased security could be uncomfortable, especially in places that are supposed to be safe spaces.
"We don't want to have security guys at the door with guns," said Robert Nelson. "It's supposed to be all are welcome. All are coming in, having a good time."
Authorities are continuing to review the footage in hopes of identifying the suspect.