Several shooting victims, including a former Steelers safety, applauded yesterday -- along with the handcuffed man charged in their assault -- after a judge announced that the prosecution had withdrawn all charges against the alleged shooter.

Cheers and more applause erupted when the victims exited the small courtroom of District Judge Robert L. Barner into a waiting room crowded with friends and family of the defendant, Tyrone Watson, who had been held at the Allegheny County Jail on $500,000 bond. His attorney said he expected Mr. Watson to be released promptly.

Mr. Watson, a 27-year-old professional boxer who trains at PKKG Boxing Gym in McKeesport, was charged with five aggravated assault counts, five reckless endangerment counts and one charge of carrying a firearm without a license in connection with a shooting early June 1 at Nigro's Restaurant and Bar in North Versailles.

Injured in the attack were former Steeler Russell Stuvaints, 27, who was shot in the right hip; Emmanuel Johnson, 24, of Braddock, who was shot in the arm and leg; Brittany Gonzales, 22, of Clairton, who was shot in the abdomen and thigh; Robert Mills, 35, of McKeesport, who was shot in the left arm; and a DJ at the bar, Matthew Strawn, 28, of Wall, who was shot in the right ankle. None of the injuries was life-threatening.

The prosecution withdrew all charges. A spokesman said the office is investigating. The district attorney retains the right to refile them later.

Mr. Mills, one of three shooting victims present in court, said Mr. Watson is his closest friend. He said he had "no idea why" he was arrested in the shooting and was glad "justice prevailed."

The affidavit cited a single unidentified witness who named Mr. Watson as the assailant.

Defense attorney James L. Cook said his investigation uncovered eight to 10 witnesses who said Mr. Watson, who goes by the nickname "T.T.," was not the gunman. He said his client, who spars with Kelly Pavlik and Roy Jones Jr. and has a 7-0 record as a super middleweight, was home in bed at the time of the shooting.

"He is quite upset. He feels his reputation has been damaged," Mr. Cook said.