News Summary
A Florence man, Brandon Thomas Cross, has been charged with murder after a Mother’s Day shooting at Qulture Bistro left one dead and six injured. The deceased, Melvin Anthony Gibson, was a security guard trying to maintain safety during the chaos. Cross, who was shot during the incident, claims his innocence. As the investigation continues, the community seeks answers amid rising concerns over safety at nightlife venues.
Florence, S.C. – A 40-year-old man named Brandon Thomas Cross has been charged with murder following a shooting incident at Qulture Bistro lounge that left one person dead and six others injured. The incident took place around 3 a.m. on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2025.
The deceased has been identified as Melvin Anthony Gibson, a 39-year-old security guard who was employed at the nightclub. According to Sheriff T.J. Joye, Gibson lost his life while attempting to ensure safety inside the establishment during the chaotic event. The shooting resulted in multiple injuries, with a total of six individuals sustaining gunshot wounds. Among those injured were people directly involved in the disturbance, as well as bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Brandon Cross was also shot during the incident and was seen at his court hearing in a wheelchair, highlighting the severity of the altercation. Because of the gravity of the charges he faces, no bond was set for Cross; he will need to appear before a South Carolina Circuit Court judge to request bond.
Cross’s attorney, Lawton Matthews, stated that his client maintains his innocence in the case, emphasizing that Cross was shot in the back and is suffering from significant health issues as a result of the shooting.
The shooting incident stems from a disturbance that originated in the nightclub’s parking lot. This violent altercation is part of a larger trend, as Sheriff Joye noted that there were two other shootings reported in Florence County around the same period, indicating a particularly violent weekend in the area.
In the aftermath, Gibson’s family has expressed their pain and their desire for justice following the loss of their loved one. The shooting has not only impacted the immediate victims but has also resonated deeply within the community, as safety concerns grow surrounding local nightlife venues.
Cross was booked into the Florence County Detention Center at 7:17 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2025. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as law enforcement continues to gather details from witnesses and review evidence pertaining to the incident.
This troubling incident at Qulture Bistro, while isolated, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that communities face regarding gun violence, particularly during social gatherings where emotions can escalate quickly. Authorities are emphasizing the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
As the investigation progresses, all parties involved are awaiting further developments, particularly with the court proceedings concerning Cross. The Florence community remains on edge, seeking answers and a resolution to this tragic event.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW News
- Wikipedia: Florence, South Carolina
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Florence nightclub shooting
- WPDE News
- Google Scholar: gun violence Florence South Carolina
- WLOS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: gun violence
- WPDE News
- Google News: Florence nightclub shooting court case
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.