Man shot early Sunday in West 7th area is in critical condition, Fort Worth police say
A 23-year-old man is in critical condition after he was shot early Sunday in Fort Worth’s West 7th entertainment district, according to police.
The victim was found lying on the ground near the intersection of Currie and Bledsoe streets shortly after 12:20 a.m. and was transported to a hospital.
Based on their initial investigation, police believe the shooting occurred after an argument.
No arrests have been announced. Gun violence detectives are investigating.
The St. Patrick’s Day shooting comes two weeks after another West 7th area shooting killed 29-year-old Bryson Rodgers on Crockett Street the night of March 2. Police have said that shooting also resulted from an argument.
Karlove Palmer, 29, was arrested on a murder charge in Rodgers’ death. Palmer shot Rodgers five times after the two men argued about a friend of Rodgers’ who Palmer was dating, Fort Worth police alleged in an affidavit supporting an arrest warrant.
People who work, live or spend time in the West 7th district told the Star-Telegram after the homicide earlier this month that they have mixed feelings about safety in the area. Those who felt the area was safe said they still feel that way, while those who have concerns said the shooting underscored their worries.
In 2022, a gunman opened fire outside the popular nightclub Varsity Tavern, now Tequila Ranch, on Morton Street. Two people were hospitalized. In September a former TCU football player, Wes Smith, was killed in a shooting on Bledsoe Street, outside the now-closed Your Mom’s House bar. Matthew Purdy, who police say admitted to shooting Smith without providing a clear reason, is charged with murder.
Smith’s death prompted city leaders to make changes to the area, including requiring bars and clubs to provide extra security and increasing police presence in the busier parts of the entertainment district.
This story was originally published March 17, 2024 at 5:37 AM.
