A late-night shooting erupted inside a crowded Brooklyn nightclub early Sunday morning, leaving three people dead and at least nine others wounded in one of the city’s deadliest mass shootings in recent memory.
Ariela LA Langosta Shot dead
The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. at Taste of the City lounge, a well-known nightlife spot just off Franklin Avenue in the Crown Heights neighborhood, according to NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Authorities believe multiple suspects opened fire following what may have been a dispute inside the club.
Victims and Fatalities
Commissioner Tisch confirmed that the victims ranged widely in age, from 19 to 61 years old. The youngest victim, a 19-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men, ages 27 and 35, were rushed to nearby Brooklyn hospitals where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Among the deceased was Ariela “LA Langosta,” a well-known dancer and bartender from New York City’s nightlife community. Friends described her as charismatic and hardworking, beloved in the local club scene. News of her death quickly spread across social media, sparking tributes from performers, DJs, and regular patrons who knew her personally.
The nine surviving victims are being treated at area hospitals. While some sustained life-threatening wounds, others are expected to recover. Their names have not been released pending family notifications.
Chaos at the Scene
The aftermath of the shooting was chaotic, with dozens of terrified patrons fleeing the lounge as police arrived. Officers secured the area, blocking off several blocks of Franklin Avenue as detectives and crime scene units began their investigation.
During this tense moment, Nata Cartier, a local figure known in nightlife circles, was arrested for disrupting the crime scene. According to police, Cartier became hysterical upon arrival, yelling and interfering with first responders as they attempted to assist victims and preserve evidence. Authorities said the arrest was necessary to maintain order, though Cartier’s outburst highlighted the raw emotions running through the community in the wake of the violence.
Mayor and Police Response
At a Sunday morning press conference, Mayor Eric Adams condemned the shooting as “an outrageous act of violence that tore through a place of joy and gathering.” He pledged additional resources to curb gun violence in nightlife areas and promised justice for the victims.
“This tragedy is yet another reminder of the epidemic of illegal guns on our streets,” Adams said. “We will not let senseless violence define our neighborhoods. Crown Heights deserves better, and the families of these victims deserve justice.”
Commissioner Tisch added that multiple shooters are believed to have been involved, though it remains unclear how many weapons were discharged. Detectives are reviewing security footage from both inside and outside the club, and investigators are urging witnesses to come forward.
Community in Shock
Crown Heights residents woke Sunday morning to police barricades, flashing lights, and the grim news of three lives lost. For many, the shooting revived long-standing concerns about gun violence in the neighborhood and the safety of nightlife establishments.
Friends of Ariela “LA Langosta” gathered near the lounge throughout the morning, leaving candles and flowers while struggling to come to terms with her sudden death. “She was the life of the party,” one friend said. “She worked hard, she danced hard, and she always made people smile. This doesn’t feel real.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of Sunday afternoon, no suspects had been taken into custody. Police said they are following multiple leads and reviewing ballistic evidence recovered from the scene. Officials stressed that the investigation is in its early stages and urged patience as detectives work to identify those responsible.
