Monic Lashaye Swan

In the early morning hours of November 5, 2023, the life of Monic Lashaye Swan, a 34-year-old Black/African American woman, was tragically taken. Her uncle described her as brave and someone who "wanted to protect everyone." She was at The Alleycat Patio and Lounge on 6th Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, when a dispute turned deadly.

The incident reportedly began with an argument over a comment about a man's hairline. The situation escalated, and gunfire erupted inside the bar. Monic was not involved in the initial altercation; according to prosecutors, she was walking through the doorway to enter the establishment when she was struck in the head by a bullet. She was one of five people shot during the chaos. Monic was rushed to a local hospital but died from her injuries. Another patron, James Reha, was also killed, and three other people sustained serious injuries.

According to witness statements provided to prosecutors, the gunman began "firing randomly throughout the ballroom." One witness described him as turning in a circle while firing the gun. Later that same day, at about 4:30 p.m., the man police identified as the shooter, Alante Peterson, turned himself in to the Tacoma Police Department, accompanied by his lawyer.

Peterson was charged with two counts of aggravated first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree murder, and three counts of first-degree assault. At his arraignment, which was held in a courtroom packed with the victims' grieving loved ones, Peterson pleaded not guilty. A judge set his bail at $4 million. The case was proceeding through the court system as of November 2023. In the wake of the shooting, community members created a memorial outside the lounge to mourn the loss of Monic Swan and James Reha.