Knitting Factory Update: Concert Venue Still Closed, In Talks Wi - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Knitting Factory Update: Concert Venue Still Closed, In Talks With Police, Mayor

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by Kelsey Watts, KHQ Local News Anchor/Reporter - bio | email

SPOKANE, Wash – One day after Spokane Police Chief Frank Straub announced he intended to close the Knitting Factory in the wake of recent violence, talks between the two sides are in progress.

After two overnight gang-related shootings Monday, Chief Straub suspended the concert venue's live entertainment license.  That day, representatives from Knitting Factory Entertainment reached out directly to the Police Chief and Mayor David Condon.  A corporate representative is flying to Spokane Wednesday, and has requested a meeting with Chief Straub, which will be held Thursday.

At that meeting, the parties are expected to discuss safety concerns and the expectations on each side.  Spokane Police have already added 7 officers to the downtown patrol in recent months.   Monday, Chief Straub said police have been called to the Knitting Factory 60 times in the last year – including for 25 EMS calls and 4 shootings – and that it's been identified as a hotbed for crime.

As of Tuesday, the Knitting Factory had not filed an appeal with the City Clerk in Spokane.  However, they still have 19 days to do so.

Right now, the only concert officially canceled is this Friday's "509 Lyrical Masterminds" show.  If you already bought tickets online through TicketWeb, you will get a refund.  The company is doing one large refund to all ticket holders, but it can take up to 7 days from when the refund is ordered for the money to appear in your account.

There are several, smaller live music venues in Spokane.  However, they tell KHQ it would be difficult to accommodate the large crowds the Knitting Factory often draws.

No arrests have been made in Monday's overnight shootings, but police say those involved in the first shooting just across the street from the Knitting Factory were attending the private event held there Sunday night.  Police say they have identified the gangs involved, and are working on bringing those responsible to justice.

 

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