Tragedy at North Hills: Raleigh Restaurant Scene of Fatal Shooting, Community Rallies in Support

Raleigh, N.C. — A tragic shooting at a popular French eatery in North Hills has left the local community shaken. The incident occurred early Friday morning at Coquette, resulting in the death of one restaurant worker and injuries to another, with the suspected gunman, the restaurant’s executive chef, critically wounded after turning the firearm on himself.

Authorities reported to the scene before 11 a.m. after reports of gunfire at the upscale dining location at 4351 The Circle at North Hills St. George Colom, identified as the assailant, is accused of fatally shooting Jonathan Schaffer, a 26-year-old colleague known for his dedication and kind nature among his peers. Another employee, Jonathan Aguilar, sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the attack.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as law enforcement rapidly converged on the scene. The violence erupted during a routine pre-shift meeting, where staff were gathered to celebrate a bartender’s birthday with a cake just before the gunfire shattered the normalcy of their morning prep.

Heather Young, a server at Coquette, expressed the deep bonds among the restaurant staff, who were grappling with the shock and reaching out to ensure each other’s safety. She noted that the tight-knit group was struggling to comprehend the day’s horrific events, hinting at the possibility of the restaurant’s closure due to the tragedy.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, with colleagues of Colom expressing surprise and uncertainty about any signs that might have predicted the violence. The Raleigh police continued their investigation at the site, securing the area and collecting evidence throughout the day.

The violent incident prompted immediate responses from local authorities and the community. Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson confirmed that all shots were fired inside the restaurant, emphasizing the swift response from law enforcement.

Traffic around the bustling shopping area was heavily affected, with key roads closed for hours, trapping shoppers and workers in the vicinity. This included closures on Six Forks Road, Lassiter Mill Road, and the I-440 ramp to Six Forks Road.

During the lockdown, nearby schools took precautions, securing students in classrooms as police cleared the nearby areas. Community members expressed their anxiety and distress, with local businesses and residents witnessing an unsettling amount of police and emergency activity.

In the wake of the shooting, an outpouring of support from the North Hills community was evident, with a GoFundMe page set up to support the victims and employees affected by the tragedy. The owner of Coquette has yet to make a formal comment on the incident.

As the city of Raleigh comes to terms with the day’s events, the focus is on healing and supporting those impacted by the shooting. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell, reached during a conference in Washington, D.C., extended her gratitude to the first responders for their quick action.

As investigations continue, the community holds tight to one another, striving to recover from a day marked by senseless violence and loss.