Dozens of people came out to that vigil on Sunday calling for justice for 34-year-old Alain Noel, who was shot and killed inside Off the Traxx, a sports bar in Melbourne last Sunday.
And right now as the search for the shooter continues, Noel’s family is calling for more security measures at downtown bars as they continue to grieve.
“I just want justice,” said Samantha Noel, Alain’s sister. “I don’t want body else to fill this void in my heart.”
Surrounded by close family and friends, Samantha Noel is heartbroken knowing her older brother, Alain, will never come home.
“I would have never thought after playing basketball Saturday with my brother that he would take his last breath right here in front of Off the Traxx,” Samantha Noel said.
Police said a video is part of their investigation and that Off the Traxx was near capacity when the unknown gunman opened fire. The shooting killed Noel and hurt a bar employee.
“I shouldn’t have to lose my brother over something so senseless man,” said Janel Noel, Alain’s brother.
At a vigil for Alain Sunday, loved ones held candles and consoled each other as they called for more security at the bar.
“We need to find different ways to protect our people when they go out and have fun on a Saturday night,” said Janel Noel, Alain’s mother.
Daniel Martinez, the family’s attorney, said legal action is in play.
“At the end of the day it’s 2022, no establishment should allow any firearms inside their place,” Martinez said.
Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey addressed the calls for stricter security at a city council meeting last week.
“I would ask council that we let it run its course,” he said. “Police department, they are doing their job, and once we get more. I’m sure our city manager will be the first to know and then we can move forward.”
Samantha Noel said she’s not mad, but simply “wants justice.”
Off the Traxx was closed Sunday.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Melbourne police right away.