A late-night shooting inside a crowded Brooklyn nightclub left three people dead and at least nine others wounded early Sunday, marking one of the deadliest mass shootings New York City has seen in recent years.
The gunfire erupted around 3:30 a.m. at Taste of the City lounge, a popular nightlife spot off Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Investigators believe multiple suspects opened fire following a dispute inside the venue.
Victims Identified
Authorities confirmed that the victims ranged in age from 19 to 61. A 19-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while two others—men ages 27 and 35—died after being rushed to nearby hospitals.
Among the deceased was Ariela “LA Langosta,” a beloved dancer and bartender in New York’s nightlife community. Friends and colleagues described her as charismatic and hardworking, tributes pouring in across social media from DJs, performers, and longtime patrons.
Nine additional victims remain hospitalized. While some suffered critical injuries, others are expected to survive. Their identities have not yet been released.
Chaos at the Scene
The aftermath was chaotic as terrified patrons fled the lounge. Police sealed off several blocks while detectives combed through evidence and crime scene units worked inside the club.
During the response, nightlife figure Nata Cartier was arrested for disrupting the scene. Police said Cartier became hysterical, interfering with first responders as they tried to help victims and secure the area. Authorities stressed the arrest was made to maintain order amid a tense and emotional moment.
Officials Respond
At a press conference later Sunday morning, Mayor Eric Adams called the shooting “an outrageous act of violence that tore through a place of joy and gathering.” He vowed additional resources to combat gun violence in nightlife districts and promised accountability for those responsible.
“This tragedy is yet another reminder of the epidemic of illegal guns on our streets,” Adams said. “Crown Heights deserves better, and the families of these victims deserve justice.”
Commissioner Tisch confirmed that investigators believe multiple shooters were involved, though the number of weapons discharged remains unclear. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from inside and outside the lounge and urging witnesses to come forward.
Community in Mourning
By daylight, Crown Heights residents awoke to barricades, flashing police lights, and the weight of the tragedy. Outside Taste of the City, friends of Ariela “LA Langosta” gathered with candles and flowers, struggling to process the loss.
“She was the life of the party,” one mourner said. “She worked hard, she danced hard, and she always made people smile. This doesn’t feel real.”
Investigation Ongoing
As of Sunday afternoon, no suspects had been taken into custody. Detectives said the investigation is in its early stages, with multiple leads under review and ballistic evidence being analyzed.
For now, the Crown Heights community is left to grieve three lives lost, pray for the wounded, and confront the lingering fear that another night of celebration could turn into tragedy.
