In the predawn hours of Sunday, March 30, 2025, a devastating tragedy unfolded at Portside Pub in Northwest Indiana, where a burst of gunfire claimed the lives of two individuals and left three others wounded. The Hammond police were summoned to the scene at 1516 Indianapolis Boulevard around 4 a.m. after reports of shots fired shattered the early morning calm. What they encountered was a grim tableau: five people struck by bullets, two of whom could not be saved despite the swift response of emergency services. The senseless loss of life has reverberated through this tight-knit community, leaving residents grappling with grief and a renewed urgency to address the scourge of gun violence.
Among the fallen was Lorraine Reyna, a name now etched in the hearts of her loved ones as they mourn her untimely death. The other victim was a bartender at the pub, a familiar face to patrons who frequented the establishment. Johnny Jernigan, a longtime friend of Reyna, stood outside the pub later that day, his voice heavy with sorrow as he spoke of the birthday celebration that would never happen. The joy of the occasion had been replaced by an overwhelming sense of loss, a stark contrast to the laughter and warmth that should have filled the air.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott provided a sobering account of the events leading to the bloodshed. He explained that the violence erupted from a domestic dispute that spilled over from the parking lot into a deadly confrontation. The two who perished were not instigators but peacemakers, caught in the crossfire as they attempted to calm the situation. Their selfless actions, intended to restore peace, instead cost them their lives—a heartbreaking irony that has left the mayor and the community reeling. “They were just trying to do the right thing,” McDermott said, his words underscoring the profound injustice of their deaths.
The three survivors were quickly transported to nearby hospitals, where medical teams worked tirelessly to stabilize them. Two remain in serious condition, their prognoses uncertain, while the third has shown signs of recovery. For Paola Gaeta, the morning brought a frantic search for her brother, whose car remained in the pub’s lot long after the chaos subsided. Unable to reach him, she arrived at the scene fearing the worst, only to learn he was among the injured—an innocent bystander swept up in a moment of violence he could not have foreseen.
As investigators combed through the aftermath, one southbound lane of Indianapolis Boulevard was cordoned off, allowing police to piece together the sequence of events. The pub’s front door, pierced by multiple bullet holes, stood as a haunting testament to the ferocity of the attack. Evidence markers dotted the pavement, each one a silent marker of the tragedy that had unfolded. The community watched in stunned silence, many gathering nearby to offer support or simply to process the shock of what had occurred in a place meant for camaraderie and respite.
Angelica Negron-Jernigan, another close friend of Reyna, spoke passionately about the broader implications of the shooting. Her frustration was palpable as she decried the persistent threat of gun violence that continues to claim lives across the country. “This isn’t just about one night or one place—it’s about a problem we can’t seem to solve,” she said, her words echoing a sentiment felt by many in Hammond and beyond. The loss of her friend has fueled a resolve to push for change, though the path forward remains fraught with challenges.
Authorities have pinpointed the origin of the shooting as a domestic altercation, though the precise details remain under wraps as the investigation progresses. Mayor McDermott expressed confidence in the police department’s efforts, revealing that a suspect has been identified and that law enforcement is closing in. “We’re not resting until he’s in custody,” he assured, a promise that offers a glimmer of hope amid the sorrow. The Hammond police have issued a call for witnesses, encouraging anyone with information to contact them at 219-852-2906, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could prove critical.
For now, the community of Hammond is left to mourn and reflect. Portside Pub, once a hub of local life, has become a symbol of loss, its shattered entrance a reminder of the fragility of peace. Friends and family of Lorraine Reyna and the unnamed bartender gather in their grief, seeking solace in shared memories while demanding justice for those taken too soon. As the investigation presses forward, the resolve of this Northwest Indiana city is tested, its residents united in their determination to heal and to ensure that such a tragedy does not strike again.
