On Sunday night, April 14, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana, one woman lost her life, and eleven others were wounded in a mass shooting outside Republic NOLA, a well-known nightclub in the Warehouse District. The attack happened shortly before midnight on the 800 block of South Peters Street, an area frequented by locals and tourists looking for nightlife.
The woman who was fatally injured has been identified as 24-year-old Jezreel Aquilla Poleate, a Harvey resident.
An eyewitness to the shooting described a scene of utter chaos, saying, “When I heard the shots, I ran to the bathroom and grabbed a couple of people who were with me and kinda got low.” The witness further noted, “We stayed until it settled, but nobody knew what was next or if there would be more shots. There was a lot of panic and a lot of chaos.” This account vividly illustrates the terror that gripped those present as they desperately sought safety.
Kelsey Holt, visiting from Nashville and staying at a nearby hotel, reported hearing six to seven gunshots. “I saw a crowd rushing out of the club,” Holt recounted, noting a woman lying on the street, surrounded by people trying to help.
According to the NOPD, all of the shooting victims were adults, consisting of six women and five men. Some wounded were transported to local hospitals by emergency services, while civilians helped others. In the aftermath, four bullets were discovered to have pierced the club’s padlocked doors, and a nearby parked car was also hit by gunfire, further evidencing the seriousness of the incident.
Republic NOLA’s owner, Nick Thomas, stated that the event occurred entirely outside the venue, and thankfully, all his staff were safe. He expressed deep concern over the incident that unfolded right on the doorstep of his business.
U.S. Representative Troy Carter voiced his displeasure over the tragedy, advocating for urgent gun reform measures and violence reduction programs. “Too many lives have been lost,” he remarked, calling for immediate action to combat the recurring violence in the community.
The young victim, Poleate, is remembered as outspoken and humorous by her friends, Bria Smith, 22, and Mikia Gumms, 25, who described her as a vibrant personality, always ready with a joke. A 2018 Helen Cox High School graduate, Poleate balanced multiple jobs, including roles at the Caesars Superdome, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and recently, a local bar.
“She was wonderful to be around, full of life and spirit,” added Kinmont Garrett, a family friend, highlighting Poleate’s strong family and church connections. Mikia Gumms mentioned that two other friends of hers had also been wounded that night at Republic.
Family and friends are mourning her death. “Jezreel was my only child, and she was incredibly loving, friendly, and stylish. She instantly made friends with anyone she met,” said her mother, 64-year-old Sharon Poleate.
This marks the second deadly shooting within a span of two weeks at a bar or club within the city. Just last week, an individual fatally shot a security guard stationed at the entrance of Witt’s Inn in Mid-City.
Democratic leaders have urged for changes in gun regulations following the recent shooting incident. State Senator Royce Duplessis and City Council President Helena Moreno specifically criticized the new concealed carry law enacted by Louisiana’s Republican majority. This law permits residents aged 18 and above to carry a concealed handgun without needing a permit, slated to take effect on July 4. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and Mayor LaToya Cantrell reiterated their opposition to this law, suggesting that New Orleans should be exempt from it. Kirkpatrick proposed the creation of a designated “hospitality zone” that would be excluded from the law’s provisions.
Democratic state Representative Alonzo Knox has introduced a bill proposing gun-free zones in areas such as the French Quarter, the Downtown Development District, and the Convention Center. Similarly, Republican Senator Kirk Talbot’s bill, which will be discussed in committee, also addresses this issue, extending to sporting events. Existing restrictions already prohibit firearms in school zones and along parade routes.
Authorities are examining surveillance footage from Republic NOLA and nearby establishments. However, it remains uncertain whether the concealed carry law would have impacted the outcome of this particular shooting. Details regarding the shooter’s location, whether inside the club or on the street, have not been disclosed.
Despite this incident, New Orleans has made strides in reducing both fatal and non-fatal shootings over the past year. According to Jeff Asher of AH Datalytics, homicides have decreased by 40% compared to the previous year, surpassing the national decline of 20%.
