Investigators say 28-year-old Stephen Kwembe attacked multiple people with a knife inside the business before officers confronted him outside.
RICHARDSON, Texas — When customers walk into Good Vibes Bar and Grill now, one thing immediately stands out.
The names of the four people injured in last week’s stabbing attack are displayed prominently inside the bar, a reminder of the violence that shook the community.
“We’re all still reliving it a little bit, especially those of us who were here when it happened,” manager Nico Otero said.
According to the Richardson Police Department, officers responded to the bar last week after reports of a stabbing. Investigators say 28-year-old Stephen Kwembe attacked multiple people with a knife inside the business before officers confronted him outside.
Body camera footage released by police shows officers repeatedly ordering Kwembe to drop the knife before opening fire. Police say Kwembe was shot after refusing commands and moving toward officers while still armed. He later died.
Otero said one of the victims was a bartender, “Fefe,” along with three longtime customers, Harold, Garrett, and Reuben, who Otero says jumped in to stop the attack.
GoFundMe links have been created to help each victim.
“Everyone’s expected to make good recoveries,” Otero said. “We do still have a couple of guys in the ICU, but everyone’s through their surgeries.”
Police previously said some victims were injured while trying to stop the attack themselves.
In the days since the violence, bars and businesses across North Texas have stepped in to support the victims and their families.
“It’s just been amazing to see just how willing everyone has been to do their part and chip in,” Otero said.
Among them is Wizards Sports Bar, which plans to host a benefit concert on Friday featuring raffles, vendors, and fundraising efforts for the victims.
“We’re all close and we all care,” Taylor Hyde said. “If it were one of us, we’d want people to do this too.”
Organizers say all proceeds from the event will go directly to the victims.
Another fundraiser is also scheduled for June 14, when The Cottage Dallas plans to host a benefit featuring live music and additional fundraising efforts.
For many connected to Good Vibes, the support has become a symbol of how tightly connected the local bar community is. Employees say what happened inside the business still feels surreal.
“It’s tough. It’s definitely not anything anyone could’ve expected to happen,” Otero said.
But amid the recovery process, many say the response from the community has helped carry them forward.
“At Good Vibes,” Otero said, “This isn’t just about a bar. It’s about family.”