MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) - Following an upswing in violence over Memorial Day weekend, Myrtle Beach business leaders want to assure tourists that the popular South Carolina resort city is safe.
In the latest violence, a man and a woman were shot late Sunday at the Wave Rider Resort, Myrtle Beach Police Capt. David Knipes said. The hotel is just south of the Bermuda Sands Motel, where three people were killed and another was injured in a shooting Saturday night. No arrests have been made.
Two other shootings, both of which resulted in one injury, took place Saturday morning and Saturday night. Every available officer was already working this weekend because the holiday is one of the busiest times of the year at Myrtle Beach, Knipes said.
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce released a statement bemoaning the violence.
“The senseless acts of criminals and unruly visitors have once again marred what should have been a stellar weekend celebrating our Armed Forces and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America,” chamber president Brad Dean said.
“We are working with our promotional partners to do what little we can to counter the negative publicity and assure those visitors planning a trip to the Myrtle Beach area that our community values their safety,” Dean said.
Business leaders have distanced themselves for years from the annual Atlantic Beach BikeFest, which is held about 15 miles away and draws thousands of bikers to the area, and a second motorcycle rally the weekend before, saying they bring too much noise, nudity and bad behavior. They would prefer the area emphasize military-friendly events around Memorial Day.
Police have not linked the biking event to the violence.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.