James “Cowboy” Arceneaux, Two Injured Bystanders, and a Bloodied Night at Cowboys Nightclub: Harrowing Gunfire Near Exxon Gas Station in Scott, Louisiana Captured in Viral Social Media Footage, Shaking Community to its Core

SCOTT, La. — June 7, 2025 — What began as a routine Saturday night of music, laughter, and celebration at one of Scott’s most frequented nightlife spots turned into a scene of absolute horror and confusion, as gunfire abruptly shattered the calm just outside the well-known Cowboys Nightclub, across from the Exxon gas station on Westgate Road. The incident, which took place just after midnight, has not only left the small Louisiana town reeling, but has also drawn national attention following the widespread sharing of graphic, firsthand video footage that captured the moment chaos erupted.

The victim at the center of the tragedy has been identified by family and friends as James “Cowboy” Arceneaux, a beloved community member and regular at the club. Known for his gregarious spirit, trademark cowboy hat, and infectious laugh, Arceneaux was described by many as “the heart and soul” of local night outings. Social media has since been flooded with tributes, prayers, and demands for justice for Arceneaux, whose final moments were caught in fragments on bystander phones.

Alongside Arceneaux, two others—a young, wounded female patron and a middle-aged male bystander—were caught in the terrifying crossfire. Both remain hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, according to local authorities.

A Normal Night Turned Nightmare

Witnesses say the night started without incident. Cowboys Nightclub, a cornerstone of the Scott nightlife scene, was packed with patrons dancing to hip-hop and country music mashups under neon lights. Cars filled the parking lot. At the nearby Exxon station, drivers fueled up and lingered to socialize, as is common in this tight-knit community.

But in an instant, normalcy was shattered. At approximately 12:13 a.m., multiple gunshots rang out. Screams filled the night air. The music stopped. Panic erupted.

“It was like something out of a war zone,” said Leticia Broussard, a 27-year-old clubgoer who dove behind a car as the shots began. “I heard a pop, then another one, and then people started running. It was pure panic. You didn’t know where the bullets were coming from.”

Video footage posted by local social media user Kellei Hypolite shows a chilling montage of those moments. In one clip, muffled music can be heard before it’s interrupted by a volley of gunfire—nearly two dozen shots—followed by shrieks and people scattering in every direction. One man can be seen falling to the ground near the edge of the parking lot.

Social Media and the Viral Impact

Hypolite’s footage, along with videos shared by at least five others, quickly went viral, spreading like wildfire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. Hashtags such as #ScottShooting, #JusticeForCowboy, and #CowboysNightclub trended regionally within hours.

The viral content has drawn a mixture of shock, grief, and outrage, with many demanding immediate action and transparency from authorities. Some users have pointed fingers at lax security protocols at the venue, while others are urging a broader conversation about violence in small-town Louisiana.

“We shouldn’t have to bury another soul to senseless gunfire. We shouldn’t be watching people die on Facebook Live,” said one commenter on X.

A GoFundMe page created by Arceneaux’s cousin for funeral costs and legal expenses surpassed $22,000 within six hours of going live.

Law Enforcement Responds

Authorities from the Scott Police Department, supported by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, were quick to respond. As of Saturday morning, a significant portion of the Exxon station parking lot and surrounding roadways remained cordoned off with yellow police tape. Evidence markers littered the asphalt.

Chief Chad Leger of the Scott Police Department issued a public statement around 9:00 a.m. Saturday, confirming that one man, now identified as Arceneaux, had succumbed to his injuries. Chief Leger also confirmed that two others had been wounded in the melee.

“We are actively pursuing leads, reviewing surveillance footage, and coordinating with state law enforcement agencies to track down those responsible,” Leger said. “We ask the public to come forward with any information, no matter how small. This was a tragic, preventable incident.”

Police have yet to name a suspect, but sources close to the investigation say they are looking into a potential dispute that began inside the club and spilled into the parking lot.

Who Was James “Cowboy” Arceneaux?

James Arceneaux, affectionately known as “Cowboy” by locals, was more than just a familiar face at Cowboys Nightclub—he was a symbol of the community’s spirit. A former rodeo rider turned warehouse worker, he was known for his storytelling, dance moves, and generous nature.

“He’d give you the shirt off his back—even if it was a western pearl snap,” said his friend Marvin Duplantis, who had known Arceneaux for over a decade. “He loved this town. He was proud of where he came from.”

Arceneaux leaves behind two daughters, ages 10 and 14. His family is reportedly devastated but determined to ensure that his story brings about change in a town that now finds itself at a crossroads.

Community Grief and Fear

The shooting has left Scott residents stunned and scared. A town of just under 10,000, Scott has long enjoyed a reputation as a quiet suburb of Lafayette with deep Cajun roots and a strong sense of community.

“We’re used to second lines, not gunshots,” said Rhonda Domingue, owner of a nearby coffee shop. “To have this happen just down the street, it rattles you. It makes you look at every person twice.”

Cowboys Nightclub announced on its official Facebook page that it would be closed “indefinitely” pending the investigation and out of respect for the victims. In a statement, the club wrote:

“We are devastated by what happened last night. Our hearts are with the family of James ‘Cowboy’ Arceneaux and all those affected. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will be reevaluating all safety protocols moving forward.”

A Broader Conversation

This incident is not isolated. Louisiana has one of the highest per capita rates of gun violence in the country. With incidents like the Scott shooting becoming more common, state legislators and community activists alike are renewing calls for stronger gun control measures, better conflict de-escalation training for bar staff, and more visible security presence at nightlife venues.

Reverend Leon Patin, a well-known activist from nearby Lafayette, spoke at an impromptu vigil held near the Exxon station Saturday evening.

“James was not just a name. He was a father, a friend, a man who danced every chance he got. He did not deserve to become a hashtag,” Patin said to a crowd of about 150 people holding candles and handmade signs. “We need more than justice. We need change.”

Ongoing Investigation and What Comes Next

As of now, no arrests have been made. Police are reviewing hours of footage from surrounding businesses, social media, and dashcams. Anonymous tips are being encouraged through the Lafayette Parish Crime Stoppers hotline.

Community members are planning a memorial march for Arceneaux this Sunday, starting at Cowboys Nightclub and ending at City Hall. Organizers say the march will honor his memory while demanding immediate action from city leaders.

“This isn’t just about Cowboy,” said organizer Deja Guillory, “It’s about reclaiming our community. No one should go out for a night of fun and not come home.”

A Night That Won’t Be Forgotten

June 7th, 2025, will be etched in the memory of Scott, Louisiana, for years to come. For those who knew James Arceneaux, it’s a day when a vibrant life was stolen in a place meant for joy. For the town, it’s a wake-up call wrapped in grief, broadcast to the world one grainy frame at a time.

As the investigation continues and the town mourns, one thing remains clear: Scott will never be the same again.