BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A night meant for dancing and celebration ended in chaos and tragedy early Sunday when gunfire erupted inside a popular Brooklyn nightclub, leaving three people dead and at least nine others wounded in one of the deadliest mass shootings New York City has seen in recent years.
The shooting unfolded around 3:30 a.m. at Taste of the City lounge, a busy nightlife destination on Franklin Avenue in the Crown Heights neighborhood, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Authorities believe multiple gunmen opened fire following an altercation inside the club, sending terrified patrons scrambling for safety.
Beloved Nightlife Figure Among the Victims
Among those killed was Ariela Langosta, widely known by her nickname “LA Langosta”, a charismatic bartender, dancer, and internet personality who had become a fixture in New York City’s vibrant nightlife community.
Langosta, whose warm energy and magnetic presence made her beloved among clubgoers and performers alike, was remembered by friends as a woman who “lit up every room she walked into.” Tributes poured across social media within hours of her death, with DJs, dancers, and regulars at Crown Heights clubs posting memories and photos, describing her as the “heartbeat of the party.”
“She wasn’t just a bartender—she was a star,” said one close friend. “People came to see her as much as they came to party. She had that rare ability to make everyone feel like family.”
Other Fatalities and Survivors
In addition to Langosta, police confirmed that two men—ages 27 and 35—were rushed to local hospitals but later succumbed to their injuries. A 19-year-old male victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Nine others sustained gunshot wounds ranging from critical to non-life-threatening. They were transported to area hospitals, where several remain in serious condition. Officials have not released the names of the surviving victims pending family notification.
Chaos and Arrest at the Scene
Witnesses described scenes of panic as dozens of clubgoers stampeded for the exits once the first shots rang out. Police and EMS units flooded the area, sealing off several blocks as detectives worked to secure the scene.
During the response, authorities arrested Nata Cartier, a local nightlife figure, for disrupting the crime scene. According to the NYPD, Cartier became hysterical upon arriving, shouting at officers and obstructing medics as they tried to aid victims. Police said the arrest was necessary to maintain order, though Cartier’s breakdown underscored the grief and raw emotion radiating from those who knew Langosta and the other victims.
City Leaders Respond
Mayor Eric Adams called the incident “an outrageous act of violence that tore through a place of joy and gathering,” promising additional resources to combat gun crime in nightlife corridors.
“This city cannot and will not accept the epidemic of illegal guns on our streets,” Adams said at a press briefing. “Crown Heights deserves peace, and the families of these victims deserve justice.”
Commissioner Tisch confirmed that ballistic evidence suggests multiple shooters were involved. Detectives are now reviewing extensive surveillance footage from inside and outside the lounge and urging witnesses to come forward.
Community in Mourning
By Sunday morning, Crown Heights residents and friends of Langosta had gathered near the nightclub to leave flowers, candles, and handwritten notes. Many struggled to accept that a woman who embodied the spirit of New York nightlife had been lost in such a violent and senseless way.
“She worked so hard, she danced so hard, and she always gave joy to everyone,” said one mourner, lighting a candle. “It doesn’t seem real that she’s gone.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of late Sunday afternoon, no suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting. Police stressed that the investigation remains active and that multiple leads are being pursued.
For now, Crown Heights is left to grieve the loss of three lives—particularly that of Ariela “LA Langosta” Langosta, whose death leaves a deep void in New York’s nightlife culture. Her memory, friends say, will live on in the laughter, music, and joy she brought to so many.