James “Cowboy” Arceneaux, Female Patron, and Local Bystander Caught in Devastating Gunfire Outside Cowboys Nightclub in Scott, Louisiana: Shocking Videos Capture Terrified Crowd Fleeing Exxon Station as Shots Echo Through the Night
SCOTT, La. — June 7, 2025 — What was supposed to be a night filled with music and celebration at Cowboys Nightclub in Scott, Louisiana, turned into a horrifying scene early Saturday morning, when a burst of gunfire disrupted the festivities and left the community shaken. The tragic incident claimed the life of James “Cowboy” Arceneaux, a beloved local known for his joyful presence, while also injuring a young woman and a middle-aged man, both innocent bystanders caught in the chaos outside the club and across the street at the Exxon gas station.
The shooting occurred just after midnight and has drawn widespread attention after disturbing videos of the event began circulating across platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). The footage—captured by patrons and passersby—shows a terrifying sequence of events: gunshots erupt mid-music, people scream and scatter, and the camera pans across the street where individuals are seen diving for cover.
A Night of Joy Turns to Panic
For those at Cowboys Nightclub, Friday night had begun like any other weekend in Scott. Patrons gathered under flashing lights, dancing to loud music and catching up with friends. Meanwhile, the Exxon station across the road—often a hub for post-party conversation—was equally active, with people socializing and fueling their vehicles.
But the energy shifted in an instant around 12:13 a.m. when multiple rounds of gunfire cracked through the air. The music stopped. Drinks were dropped. People ran for their lives.
Leticia Broussard, a 27-year-old witness, described the moment: “We were laughing one minute and ducking the next. I thought it was fireworks until I heard someone scream. That’s when I hit the ground.”
The Viral Impact of Bystander Footage
Video recordings of the chaos have dominated social media since early Saturday. One clip, originally shared by local resident Kellei Hypolite, begins with party music before the first pop is heard—followed by more than a dozen additional gunshots. In the background, people scream, some dropping to the pavement, others fleeing behind cars, gas pumps, or even lying flat against the concrete.
These videos spread rapidly, gaining traction through hashtags like #ScottShooting, #JusticeForCowboy, and #ExxonChaos. The internet’s response has been a mix of heartbreak, frustration, and calls for accountability. Within hours, the footage had reached thousands across the country, placing a spotlight on a small town suddenly coping with immense trauma.
Remembering Cowboy Arceneaux
Among those lost in the shooting was James “Cowboy” Arceneaux, a community fixture known for his warmth, humor, and signature Western attire. His cowboy hat, his boots, and his dance moves were staples of the local nightlife scene. Friends say he brought energy and kindness to every space he entered.
“He was a bright light in a dim world,” said Marvin Duplantis, one of Arceneaux’s closest friends. “Everybody loved Cowboy. He didn’t care who you were—he’d hug you like he knew you forever.”
A father of two young daughters, Arceneaux was a hardworking man who spent weekdays at a warehouse job and weekends living life to the fullest. His death has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents mourning not just the loss of a friend but the silence left in his absence.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
In addition to Arceneaux’s death, a female nightclub attendee and a local man—both caught near the Exxon station—sustained injuries. Officials say their wounds are non-life-threatening, and they are recovering in a Lafayette hospital. The names of the injured have not been released to the public.
Witnesses say the sound of sirens arrived quickly after the gunfire ended, with first responders rushing to secure the area, provide medical attention, and calm the shaken crowd.
Law Enforcement and Community Reactions
The Scott Police Department, assisted by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, immediately launched an investigation. By morning, the entire area surrounding the Exxon station and the nightclub was roped off with crime scene tape. Dozens of evidence markers dotted the pavement, and detectives canvassed the scene for witness statements and security footage.
In a press statement, Scott Police Chief Chad Leger assured residents that authorities were treating the matter with urgency.
“This is a tragic, unacceptable event. We are actively investigating all leads and reviewing every piece of footage available,” said Chief Leger. “We urge anyone who saw or heard anything to come forward, no matter how small it may seem.”
While no arrests have been made, investigators believe the violence may have stemmed from an altercation that began inside the club and escalated outdoors.
Cowboys Nightclub Temporarily Closes
Following the tragedy, Cowboys Nightclub issued a public statement on social media expressing condolences and announcing an indefinite closure:
“We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred near our premises. Our thoughts are with the family of James ‘Cowboy’ Arceneaux and those affected. We are fully cooperating with local authorities and will remain closed as we reevaluate our safety policies.”
The club, typically packed on weekends, now stands silent behind barricades and shuttered doors.
A Town in Mourning
Scott, often seen as a peaceful retreat just outside of Lafayette, has been left grieving. Residents have filled sidewalks with candles, flowers, and handwritten tributes for Arceneaux. One message reads: “We’ll dance again for you, Cowboy.”
A vigil held Saturday evening drew nearly 200 mourners. Local clergy, friends, and community members took turns remembering Cowboy, praying for the wounded, and expressing outrage that such violence found its way into their town.
Rhonda Domingue, a café owner and lifelong Scott resident, spoke tearfully: “We are not the kind of place where this happens. But now it has—and we need to talk about what we do next.”
Rising Concerns and a Push for Safety Reform
The incident has triggered larger discussions about violence in smaller towns and the growing need for better public safety measures. Advocacy groups are urging local leaders to increase lighting around nightlife venues, invest in security personnel, and implement stricter safety checks inside establishments.
Sunday will see a memorial march in honor of Arceneaux. Organized by local activists, it will begin at Cowboys Nightclub and end at City Hall, where marchers plan to present a petition demanding action and reform.
Deja Guillory, one of the march organizers, said: “This isn’t about placing blame. It’s about protecting our community. We cannot afford to lose anyone else.”
Broader National Implications
Louisiana continues to grapple with high gun violence rates, particularly in underserved areas. Experts point out that rural communities, long seen as immune to such violence, are now facing the same threats as urban centers.
“We can’t keep pretending that gun violence only affects big cities,” said Reverend Leon Patin at Saturday’s vigil. “We must protect every block, every parish, every person—because even one life taken is too many.”
The Investigation Continues
As of Saturday evening, the investigation remains active. Police are combing through hours of video, analyzing ballistic evidence, and following up on community tips. The Lafayette Parish Crime Stoppers has opened a hotline for anonymous information, and a reward is being offered for credible leads.
The GoFundMe campaign set up by Arceneaux’s family for funeral expenses has already surpassed $22,000, with donations pouring in from across Louisiana and beyond. Supporters have also launched a social media campaign, encouraging others to share memories and photos using #RememberCowboy.
A Legacy of Light in a Dark Moment
June 7, 2025, will forever be remembered in Scott as the night joy turned to sorrow. But in the midst of mourning, the community’s unity, compassion, and resilience are shining through.
James “Cowboy” Arceneaux wasn’t just a name. He was a brother, a friend, a father, and a beloved spirit. His loss has left a void—but his life has inspired a movement for change.
As the community continues to search for answers and demand justice, one sentiment rings clear:
“He may be gone, but Cowboy will never be forgotten.”
