Nebraska Man Opens Fire Inside Louisiana Laundromat, Killing One Before Taking His Own Life
LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA — A quiet night at a local laundromat turned deadly after 73-year-old Louis McGlothlin, who had driven more than 10 hours from Nebraska, opened fire inside the building, leaving one person dead and two others injured before reportedly taking his own life.
Authorities in Lafayette confirmed that McGlothlin entered the laundromat armed, shooting multiple rounds shortly after arriving on scene. Surveillance footage shows the elderly man brandishing a firearm and firing at customers as they attempted to flee for safety.
Police later confirmed that McGlothlin shot and killed himself before officers arrived at the scene.
10-Hour Journey Ends in Tragedy
Investigators say McGlothlin had traveled from Nebraska to Louisiana before launching the violent attack, though the motive behind his cross-state drive remains unclear. Witnesses described the shooter as appearing calm and deliberate as he entered the business moments before the chaos unfolded.
“He didn’t say a word. He just came in and started shooting,” one witness reportedly told local media. “It was terrifying — people ran wherever they could hide.”
Emergency responders transported the two surviving victims to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for gunshot wounds. Their conditions have not yet been publicly released.
Police and Community Response
Lafayette Police are continuing to piece together McGlothlin’s movements leading up to the incident. Authorities confirmed that he acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
“This was a targeted act of violence that ended in the suspect’s death,” a Lafayette Police spokesperson said. “Our department is working closely with Nebraska authorities to understand what led to this tragedy.”
Security footage from inside the laundromat, which has since circulated online, shows the gunman’s actions in chilling detail — capturing the brief but devastating moments before he turned the weapon on himself.
This is a white man, not a black man. Lafayette Laundromat Shooting After a 10-hour drive from Nebraska, 73-year-old Louis McGlothlin stormed into a Lafayette laundromat—opening fire, with one dead and injuring two. 😱 Police say McGlothlin shot himself dead pic.twitter.com/8nhflP2k4O
— kevin blue (@kevinblue345) October 22, 2025
A Community in Shock
Residents of Lafayette expressed disbelief that such violence had erupted in a seemingly ordinary public space. The laundromat, a popular spot for neighborhood families, has since been closed as investigators process the scene and local business owners review safety measures.
City officials said they plan to offer counseling services to survivors and witnesses, emphasizing the community’s resilience in the face of tragedy.
Investigation Ongoing
Police have not disclosed what connection, if any, McGlothlin had to Lafayette or the victims involved. Investigators are also reviewing whether mental health issues or personal disputes may have played a role in the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about McGlothlin’s movements or possible communications before the incident to contact Lafayette Police Department.
This is a developing story. NapervilleLocal.com will continue to provide updates as more details become available.
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