A tragic shooting outside the Gaslight Lounge in Anchorage left one man dead and three others injured early Sunday morning. Security footage reveals a quick-thinking guard returned fire, stopping further bloodshed.


ANCHORAGE, AK (3-minute read) — A deadly shooting erupted early Sunday morning outside the Gaslight Lounge in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, claiming the life of a 23-year-old man and injuring three others. Authorities confirmed the deceased as Leroy Manogiamanu.

According to Anchorage Police Department (APD), the gunfire broke out around 2:50 a.m. near the Fourth Avenue bar. Officers arrived to find three victims, two with serious injuries and one already deceased. A fourth individual was later located with non-life-threatening wounds.

Surveillance footage obtained by Alaska’s News Source shows that the suspected shooter never stepped foot inside the establishment. Instead, the violence unfolded just outside the bar’s entrance, where the alleged gunman encountered security staff.

John Pattee, the bar’s owner, stated that the suspect opened fire without provocation, striking two of his security guards. A third security employee, who had retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, returned fire and shot the suspect. Pattee believes the swift reaction by his staff likely prevented further casualties.

Though the shooter’s identity has not yet been released, the incident highlights the escalating challenges faced by business owners and security teams in high-traffic nightlife districts. Pattee expressed frustration, pointing to a pattern of criminal activity affecting his bar, staff, and patrons.

Armed Security and Self-Defense in High-Risk Environments

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the value of armed and trained security personnel, particularly in environments with a history of late-night violence. In Alaska, as in many states, the law allows individuals to use reasonable force, including deadly force, in defense of themselves or others when facing imminent threats.

While armed self-defense is a serious responsibility, incidents like this demonstrate how crucial quick, decisive action can be when seconds count.

Safety Tip: If you carry a firearm for self-defense, always secure it in a safe, accessible location and maintain regular training to ensure you can react quickly and responsibly in high-stress situations.

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