27-Year-Old Fatally Shot Outside Acqua Nightclub

Lawrence, Massachusetts, September 14, 2025

News Summary

A tragic shooting occurred outside the Acqua Nightclub in Lawrence, resulting in the death of a 27-year-old man early Saturday morning. Law enforcement was called at approximately 2 a.m. and found the victim with gunshot wounds. An investigation led by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office is ongoing, with authorities seeking tips from the public as no suspects have been identified. Residents express shock at the incident, highlighting concerns about safety in nightlife areas.

Lawrence — A 27-year-old man was fatally shot outside the Acqua Nightclub on Essex Street in Lawrence early Saturday morning, according to law enforcement. The shooting occurred at approximately 2 a.m., and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene after police arrived shortly following a call about the incident.

What happened

Police were dispatched to the area just after 2 a.m. and found a man suffering from gunshot wounds outside the Acqua Nightclub. The victim, a 27-year-old, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are withholding the victim’s identity while they notify next of kin.

Investigation status

The Essex County District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation, with District Attorney Paul Tucker leading the probe. As of Saturday, officials have not released details about any suspects, a possible motive, or whether any arrests have been made. Lawrence police have asked anyone with information to contact them at 978-794-5900. No other information about evidence or witness statements has been publicly released.

Local reaction and context

Residents in the neighborhood expressed shock at the reported shooting. Business owners in the area noted concerns about safety related to late-night activity, citing the incident as a reminder of ongoing worries about public safety around entertainment districts. The incident contrasts with community-focused events taking place nearby the same day, including the Sí Lawrence Festival, which featured family activities and community programming later that afternoon.

Public safety and community impact

The shooting occurred in a part of Essex Street that draws late-night crowds for nightlife and dining. Local businesses and community members are likely to reassess security and crowd-management measures in response. City and county authorities have not announced any specific changes to patrols or event planning related to this incident, but police have reiterated their request for tips from the public.

What officials have said

Law enforcement confirmed the call was received shortly after 2 a.m. and that officers located the victim on arrival. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office confirmed it is conducting an investigation. Beyond the basic timeline and the fact that the victim’s identity is being withheld pending family notification, officials have not provided additional specifics as of Saturday evening.

What is not yet known

• No arrests have been reported in connection with the shooting.
• No motive has been publicly identified.
• Authorities have not released surveillance footage, witness statements, or descriptions of possible suspects.

How the public can help

Lawrence police are requesting that anyone with information about the shooting come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling 978-794-5900. Authorities asked for any relevant details, including descriptions of people or vehicles seen in the area around 2 a.m., phone video or other recordings, and any other observations that may assist the investigation.

Next steps

The Essex County District Attorney’s Office and Lawrence police will continue the investigation. Additional details, including any arrests, charges, or the release of the victim’s identity, will be announced by authorities once family notification is completed and officials determine information can be shared publicly.

Background

The incident took place amid a day of community activity in Lawrence, where the Sí Lawrence Festival was scheduled later the same day, offering family-oriented events that presented a contrasting image of neighborhood life. The investigation into the fatal shooting is ongoing, and officials have emphasized the importance of community cooperation to help establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

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Additional Resources

• NBC Boston
• Wikipedia: Lawrence, Massachusetts
• CBS News
• Google Search: Acqua Nightclub Lawrence MA
• Lawrence Times
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lawrence Massachusetts
• MassLive
• Google News: Lawrence shooter news
• Essex County DA
• Google Scholar: Lawrence shooting 2025

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.