Local
First Friday suspends Las Vegas Arts District gatherings after teen’s killing
The downtown event is pausing while organizers work with city officials and law enforcement on future safety plans. No date has been announced for its return.
First Friday Las Vegas is suspending its downtown events as organizers consult with city officials, law enforcement and other partners about how the gathering should proceed, the group said Oct. 14. It did not announce when the event will return.
The pause follows the Oct. 2 fatal shooting of 15-year-old Carth Onasi Jacobs-Rodgers near Charleston Boulevard and Main Street. His family identified him. A 17-year-old suspect, Issac Manriquez, is being held without bail and faces charges as an adult.
Organizers said they were devastated by the killing and expressed sympathy for Jacobs-Rodgers’ family and others affected. They also acknowledged the pause’s impact on local artists, musicians, vendors and businesses that have participated in First Friday for 24 years.
The organizers urged residents to continue supporting local artists and one another as the community grieves. The monthly event has brought together local creative businesses and performers in the Arts District.