On January 19, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, an executive chef allegedly shot two coworkers during a work meeting at Coquette, a French restaurant. The incident occurred around 10:57 a.m., resulting in the death of one employee and injuries to the others.
- Executive chef shot coworkers during meeting
- Incident occurred at Coquette restaurant
- Victim Jonathan Mark Schaffer died on scene
- Jonathan Aguilar Vega sustained non-life-threatening injuries
- Shooting believed to stem from internal dispute
- GoFundMe campaign raised $18,000 for employees
According to the Raleigh Police Department, George Colom, the executive chef, reportedly shot Jonathan Mark Schaffer and Jonathan Aguilar Vega before turning the gun on himself. Schaffer was pronounced dead at the scene while Vega was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The shooting took place during what was described as a daily meeting combined with a birthday celebration for a bartender. Witnesses reported that moments after cake was cut, Colom entered and opened fire. Schaffer died immediately from his wounds, while Vega survived but had a bullet lodged in his hand.
The police stated that they believe this incident stemmed from a dispute between individuals involved. Colom was initially treated at the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
- Date of Incident: January 19, 2025
- Location: Coquette French Restaurant, Raleigh, N.C.
- Victims: Jonathan Mark Schaffer (deceased), Jonathan Aguilar Vega (injured)
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support employees affected by this tragedy and has raised $18,000 towards its $30,000 goal as of January 19.
This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about workplace violence and its devastating impact on communities. As investigations continue into the motives behind this shooting, local authorities are emphasizing mental health resources for those affected.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers present in everyday settings like workplaces and underscores the importance of addressing conflicts before they escalate into violence.