A promising young life was cut short in the early hours of Sunday morning when 23-year-old Leroy Manogiamanu was fatally shot during a violent altercation in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.
The incident occurred just before 3 a.m. outside the Gaslight Lounge on Fourth Avenue, a popular nightlife spot in the city.
Polynesian Bowl gives Anchorage (Alaska) Bartlett DL Leroy Manogiamanu a chance to make an impression https://t.co/YJNn5cloNY pic.twitter.com/WynrEFbnGw
— Brandon Huffman (@BrandonHuffman) January 17, 2020
According to the Anchorage Police Department (APD), officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire and discovered several victims at the scene, including Manogiamanu, who succumbed to his injuries.
Another person sustained life-threatening wounds, while two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
APD is treating the case as a homicide but noted that all involved parties have been contacted and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Chaos Was Captured On Camera
Security footage provided by the Gaslight Lounge reveals chilling moments before and during the shooting.
Surveillance video shows a tense situation escalating rapidly outside the bar, as two masked men appeared to engage with several women near the entrance.
A fight briefly broke out, and security staff attempted to de-escalate the situation.
One of the men, wearing gloves and a face covering, is seen drawing a firearm and opening fire, hitting two security guards.
A third security guard, who had retrieved a weapon from a vehicle, returned fire, ultimately striking the shooter, who collapsed into a nearby planter.
Police arrived on the scene shortly after, with the armed guard maintaining his position until officers took control.
John Pattee, the bar’s owner, confirmed the armed security guard was a military veteran and believes his actions may have prevented further loss of life.
Pattee said,
“He confronted the guy that was about to shoot other people. In this particular instance… we’re all victims, my staff, my patrons, and my business.”
While APD initially suggested that an altercation may have started inside the bar, Pattee disputes that claim, saying the shooter and his group were never allowed entry.
Additional footage reportedly supports his account.
However, police noted that an earlier dispute may have involved members of the group later present during the shooting.
Leroy Manogiamanu Was A Standout Athlete
Leroy Manogiamanu was a standout athlete, excelling in both football and basketball at Bartlett High School in Anchorage.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 231 pounds, he was known for his strength on the field and his fun-loving spirit off of it.
Leroy Manogiamanu!! ~ Improvises!! pic.twitter.com/RghoFBZJog
— AlaskanAthlete (@AlaskanAthletes) February 16, 2020
Coach Pierce Blewett, who had the honor of coaching Leroy, shared a heartfelt tribute:
“Former Bartlett player I had the privilege to coach passed away due to gun violence. RIP Leroy you were goofy, silly, and fun to coach. You will be missed.”
Via Facebook
A relative of Leroy expressed the family’s heartbreak and ongoing search for answers.
He is survived by his parents, Lee Fasavalu Manogiamanu and Gloria Manuma Sappa, who are now mourning a devastating and senseless loss.
As Anchorage reels from this tragic event, Leroy Manogiamanu’s death is a somber reminder of the escalating impact of gun violence.
Friends, family, former teammates, and coaches are left grieving the loss of a young man remembered for his humor, athleticism, and heart.
May he rest in peace!
