
New Bedford Police Chief Orders Closure of Morna Lounge Following Homicide
NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Just days after a man was shot and killed and two others injured inside Morna Lounge and Grill in New Bedford’s Near North End, the city’s police chief has ordered the closure of the establishment.
It will remain closed until further notice.
"The New Bedford Police Department will not tolerate environments that foster violence and disorder," Chief Paul Oliveira said. "The safety and well-being of our City is our top priority, and we will take appropriate measures to address any establishment that fails to uphold its responsibility to the public."
According to police, Chief Oliveira exercised his authority pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 41, Sec 98, which allows him as police chief “to order Morna Lounge and Grill owner Mateus Jose Barbosa to cease operations and immediately close the business on an emergency basis ‘in the interest of public safety.’”
New Bedford Police hand-delivered a letter Monday to Barbosa, in which Oliveira wrote that “Based upon the history of prior incidents and the recent shooting on Saturday at the premises, in the interest of public safety and to ensure that there is no retaliation stemming from Saturday’s shootings you are ordered to cease operation of the Morna Lounge and Grill at the premises.”
Police were called to Morna Lounge and Grill on Acushnet Avenue at about 1:21 a.m. on January 11 for a reported shooting inside the bar. Upon arrival, they found two women in their 20s had been shot, as well as Cristiano Macedo, 27, of New Bedford. Macedo died as a result of his injuries.
On Monday, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced that Danielson Varela, 19, of New Bedford had been arrested in connection and charged with first degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm and two counts of assault and battery with a firearm.
He had previously been arrested in February 2024 in connection with a shooting outside a convenience store in New Bedford’s South End.
Police said there had been “numerous calls for service” to Morna Lounge, including a shooting outside of the bar in July 2024 and a fatal shooting behind the business about a week later.
“Prior to the recent violent incidents, Morna Lounge representatives appeared before the City’s Licensing Board five times from 2021-2023 regarding numerous violations occurring on 13 separate nights, including a stabbing in 2022 that resulted in multiple probations and suspensions,” police said in a release.
According to police, the string of events “raised significant concerns about the ability of the Morna Lounge’s management and staff to maintain a safe and secure environment for patrons and neighbors.”
Ward 2 City Councilor Maria Giesta provided WBSM with the following statement:
"I want to thank the New Bedford Police Department and all law enforcement agencies involved for their swift action in apprehending the suspect responsible for the recent shooting at Morna Lounge. Their collaborative efforts across city lines were instrumental in ensuring this arrest.
I support Police Chief Paul Oliveira’s decision to close Morna Lounge in light of the numerous incidents requiring police intervention. This action underscores our commitment to the safety and well-being of Ward 2 residents and the city of New Bedford.
Thank you, and God bless all law enforcement officials for their dedication to protecting our community.”
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