11 People shot at a Airbnb

On Easter Sunday, Pittsburgh police said that 11 people were shot, two were killed and five others injured while attempting to escape. The mass shooting happened during a large party at Airbnb. According to police, there were around 200 people at the party, mostly minors. No arrests have been announced and police said there is no information on any suspects at any time. But investigators set up a website so that the public can submit videos, tips and photos of the incident. On Monday, the day after the shooting, Airbnb said that the company will file a civil lawsuit against the person who rented the Pittsburgh apartment. The renter will also be banned for life from renting through Airbnb. Airbnb said, “We will pursue legal claims and damages based on violation of Airbnb’s Community Standards and Terms of service, nuisance, and that the guest booked the listing under false pretenses”. Airbnb clearly has strict policies. In 2020, Airbnb announced a worldwide ban on all parties and events at Airbnb listings. If a large family rents an Airbnb, the company put an occupancy at 16. Before this, though, Airbnb prohibited unauthorized parties on their listings. 73% of the listings had already banned parties in their ‘house rules’, which are listed under the Airbnb post on the site. They have historically allowed renters to use best judgement. For example, baby showers and child birthday parties are ok, if they are appropriate for the home and neighborhood. But, since Covid, house parties became increasingly popular as bars and clubs, particularly in the major cities were closed. In Miami, there were many Airbnb ‘pop up’ clubs, even with bouncers, collecting money. This issue prompted the company to ban all parties globally. Airbnb launched a 24/7 neighborhood support hotline in the US and Canada to enforce the party rule. They also added restrictions to renters’ age. If you are 25 or younger, you may only rent if you have a history of positive reviews. Airbnb’s restrictions were meant to provide safety to all, especially because of Covid.