We expect Chattanooga to be a relatively peaceful, safe and law-abiding community. So it is outrageous that rival gangs on Christmas Eve reportedly wounded nine people in shootings outside a downtown club.
There has been violence at the establishment, Club Fathom, dating to 2006, and some city officials now say it is a public nuisance.
We can understand their concern. What if the latest nine victims -- five youths and four adults -- had been not only shot but killed?
We cannot judge at this point whether the club itself is doing something wrong or if it is as much a victim of the violence as its patrons are.
But that is a question the city should answer as soon as possible.