Detectives with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau are searching for a suspect who shot and killed a man early Wednesday morning at the Comedy Store in West Hollywood.

Sunset Boulevard was closed Wednesday morning in front of the Comedy Store while police investigated a homicide that occurred on the comedy club’s patio. (photo by Jessie Lingenfelter)

The shooting occurred at approximately 12:49 a.m. at the club at 8433 Sunset Blvd. The victim, who was struck by multiple gunshots, was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 1:36 a.m., said Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office spokesman Ed Winter. The victim was identified as Richard James, 23.

Police said the victim was standing on the club’s front patio with a group of people when a suspect walked up and started shooting. Witnesses told police the suspect is an African American man who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt. He was last seen running northbound on Olive Drive.

The Comedy Store was closed Wednesday night and planned to resume operations on Thursday. The club issued a statement about the incident.

“We are shocked and saddened that something like this happened outside our venue and are doing everything possible to assist our employees, patrons and law enforcement to ensure we remain the safe and entertaining venue we have been for over four decades,” the statement read.

West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath said the murder had caused concern among city officials, and the city is working with the sheriff’s department to locate the perpetrator.

“Incidents like [the] shooting remind us why our city has taken such a strong leadership role in the conversation about gun control,” Horvath said. “We want every community to be free from this kind of senseless violence that happened in our city.”

Sheriff’s department investigators are reviewing surveillance camera footage, and hope that additional witnesses observed the incident and will contact investigators. Sunset Boulevard remained closed in both directions from Sweetzer Avenue to La Cienega Boulevard during the morning rush hour as the investigation continued, causing traffic delays in the surrounding area.

Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators at (323)890-5500.