Lafayette Pastor’s Video Goes Viral After Son Injured in Fatal Weekend Shooting

After a tragic shooting in the parking lot of KOK Wings & Things in Lafayette left two young men dead and several others injured, including his son, Pastor Lawrence Levy of Freedom World Ministry International posted a video on social media, calling for unity and peace in the community. Known for his direct messages that often go viral, Pastor Levy’s live video struck a chord with residents in attendance and those at home watching on social media.

The shooting took place in the parking lot of KOK in the 400 block of East University Avenue, where 26-year-old Corey Mouton and 24-year-old Jamir Carmouche lost their lives. Pastor Levy’s son, who was also injured, is currently in stable condition. Arriving at Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital shortly after the incident, Levy described a scene of pain and anxiety as families awaited news about their loved ones. “It hurt me to see the pain, worry, tears, screams, and heartbreak of many,” Levy posted on Facebook.

While at the hospital, Pastor Levy provided comfort and prayer for the other families present. He later shared a post, which quickly spread across social media, urging the Lafayette community to unite against violence. "I am begging all of Lafayette 'once again' for us to come together and pray," he wrote, announcing a vigil where people could gather to remember those lost.

The following evening, Levy held a vigil in the Northgate Mall parking lot for the families of the victims. Community members joined hands, prayed together, and shared words of support. One attendee, Lafayette resident Tanya Barker, told KLFY News 10 that such gatherings are important for healing and change. “For them to come together means we got a process starting. But instead of just watching, people need to join hands,” she said, emphasizing the need to use guns for protection, not violence.

Pastor Levy spoke on the importance of community connection and love, particularly for the younger generation. “Looking at someone you don’t know and saying, ‘I love you,’ is a powerful feeling,” he shared. Levy believes that if this spirit of unity can spread among Lafayette’s youth, it may help address the underlying issues driving violence. “I felt those cries and that pain... and I want to be there for each family,” he said.