New Orleans, Louisiana – The New Orleans Police Department is investigating a tragic mass shooting that occurred outside a nightclub in the Warehouses District on Sunday night. The shooting claimed the life of one woman and left 11 others injured just before midnight. The victim was identified as Jezreel Poleate, 24. Among those injured were six women and five men, according to the police. The incident took place in the 800 block of South Peters Street outside the nightclub Republic NOLA.
During the shooting, an event known as Church on Sundaze was taking place inside the club, as indicated by an Instagram post on the Church on Sundaze page. A witness inside the club described the chaotic scene that unfolded when the shots were fired. Panic and chaos ensued as people tried to find safety amid the uncertainty of what might happen next.
The tragic event comes shortly after a security guard was fatally shot outside Wit’s Inn bar. Councilman Joe Giarrusso and Council President Helena Moreno have called for the NOPD to consider using the padlock ordinance, which could lead to the revocation of the bar’s liquor license and potential closure. The owner of the bar, the only Black-owned establishment in that block, expressed willingness to cooperate with city officials but emphasized the importance of fairness in applying the ordinance.
In response to the shooting, Councilwoman Lesli Harris and Council President Helena Moreno issued statements expressing their condolences and concerns about escalating violence in the city. They also discussed the implications of the state’s concealed carry law and the need for comprehensive gun reform measures. Authorities have confirmed that there were previous citations against Republic NOLA for late renewal and COVID violations but no recent incidents warranting the padlock ordinance.
Governor Jeff Landry and Congressman Troy Carter also offered their thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families. Landry condemned the senseless violence, emphasizing the need for a safe community for all residents. Carter echoed the sentiment, calling for urgent gun reform measures and violence reduction programs. Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact CrimeStoppers.