It is with deep sorrow that we share the tragic passing of Arleigh Alexzander Bryant, age 37, who lost his life in a mass shooting in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, during the early hours of Sunday, July 14, 2025. Arleigh was a beloved member of the Encore/XOXO nightclub team and is now remembered by many as a kind-hearted soul whose warmth and positivity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
The shooting took place around 1:45 a.m. on the 300 block of North College Street—an area known for its vibrant nightlife and popular clubs. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the incident unfolded amid a bustling crowd, sending panic through the streets and resulting in one fatality and five injuries. Arleigh, an employee at Encore/XOXO, tragically died at the scene.
In an emotional tribute shared on social media, the nightclub released the following statement:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of one of our valued employees. Arleigh was a beloved part of our team. The violence that took place did not originate inside our venue and appears to be the result of a senseless act of gun violence in the surrounding area. Our thoughts are with Arleigh’s family, friends, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
The Charlotte community is reeling in the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. CMPD Deputy Chief Ryan Butler described the scene as “very chaotic,” noting that multiple people were present during the shooting, including potential witnesses, victims, and suspects.
Thanks to the swift actions of nine off-duty CMPD officers who were already working nearby, authorities were able to respond immediately. Upon arrival, they discovered Bryant fatally wounded and five other individuals suffering from gunshot injuries. The injured victims were transported to local hospitals and are currently receiving medical care.
On Monday, CMPD announced the arrest of two suspects connected to the shooting. The first suspect was apprehended in the morning, and the second was captured later in the afternoon with assistance from the Gastonia Police Department. Authorities have not yet released the suspects’ names, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Officers recovered more than seven firearms from the scene, underscoring the extent of the violence. Police are continuing to review surveillance footage and conduct interviews in hopes of identifying all parties involved and understanding the motive behind the attack.
Deputy Chief Butler urged the public to aid in the investigation:
“We know this incident has shaken our community. We need continued cooperation from the public to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
The heartbreaking death of Arleigh Alexzander Bryant has reignited urgent conversations around public safety and gun violence in Charlotte’s Uptown district. With summer drawing larger crowds into nightlife areas, residents and business owners are calling for increased police presence and more comprehensive safety protocols to protect patrons and workers alike.
In the wake of the tragedy, an outpouring of support has been seen across social media, with countless messages honoring Arleigh’s memory. Colleagues and friends describe him as a genuine, hardworking, and uplifting individual who always went out of his way to help others.
Encore/XOXO has announced plans to hold a private memorial service in Arleigh’s honor, giving friends and coworkers the opportunity to remember the man who meant so much to them.
As Charlotte mourns this devastating loss, police continue to investigate the events of July 14 and urge anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or via their online platform.
Arleigh Alexzander Bryant’s life was taken far too soon, but his legacy of kindness, professionalism, and love for his community will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the outpouring of love surrounding them.
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