On Thursday, April 24, 2025, a fatal shooting occurred outside the Cali Rose 15 Kitchen in Lakeland, Florida, formerly known as Rush Hour Bar & Grill, leaving one man dead and another injured. The victims, Jesse Banks, 28, of Lakeland, and Nicholas Lue, 26, of West Palm Beach, were involved in a confrontation that escalated to violence just outside the establishment. Authorities arrived at the scene to find both men suffering from gunshot wounds, with Banks tragically dying despite medical efforts, and Lue being stabilized and transported for further treatment.

The shooting appears to have been a result of a self-defense situation, involving Tre D’Shon Huntly, 24, of Lakeland. Initial investigations suggest that the dispute began as a verbal altercation, which quickly turned physical before escalating further when Banks and Lue allegedly threatened Huntly with a firearm. In response, Huntly, who was inside the restaurant at the time, fired in self-defense, striking both men. No criminal charges have been filed against Huntly, and he fully cooperated with authorities during their investigation.

Background of the Incident: A Verbal Disagreement Turns Fatal

The tragic events unfolded around 9:31 p.m. on April 24, 2025, when the Lakeland Police Department received a report of a shooting outside Cali Rose 15 Kitchen at 1323 Ariana Street, a popular spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and community events. Officers arrived to find Jesse Banks and Nicholas Lue injured and lying in the parking lot outside the restaurant, both suffering from gunshot wounds.

Witnesses at the scene and initial reports suggest that the incident began as a verbal dispute between Banks, Lue, and Tre D’Shon Huntly, a 24-year-old from Lakeland. The confrontation escalated quickly outside the restaurant’s front entrance. According to investigators, Banks struck Huntly in the head, prompting a response from a male standing inside the restaurant, who opened the front door to intervene on Huntly’s behalf.

As Banks and Lue allegedly became more aggressive, the situation took a dangerous turn. Banks and Lue reportedly produced a firearm and aimed it at Huntly, who, fearing for his safety, drew his own handgun and fired several rounds at the two men.

Both victims were struck, with Banks suffering fatal injuries, while Lue was stabilized and transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment. Banks was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Lue, though injured, is expected to survive, and his condition remains stable as of the latest updates.

The Role of Tre D’Shon Huntly: Acting in Self-Defense?

Tre D’Shon Huntly, the man who fired the shots, has remained at the scene and fully cooperated with the police during their investigation. Huntly, who had been inside the restaurant when the altercation started, was not injured during the exchange of gunfire.

According to Lakeland Police Department officials, Huntly claims that he acted in self-defense, fearing for his life after Banks and Lue threatened him with a firearm. Initial evidence and witness statements support Huntly’s assertion that he was defending himself from an imminent threat when he discharged his weapon. A handgun was recovered from Banks at the scene, further corroborating Huntly’s account of the incident.

While the investigation is still ongoing, Huntly’s actions are currently being classified as self-defense. Under Florida law, individuals are allowed to use deadly force if they reasonably believe that they are in imminent danger of serious injury or death. Stand Your Ground laws in Florida provide legal protection for individuals who act in self-defense without the obligation to retreat when faced with an aggressive threat.

The Investigation: A Complex Case with Legal Implications

The Lakeland Police Department has launched a full investigation into the shooting, and detectives are working to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the violence. Witnesses and surveillance footage from the area are being reviewed, with law enforcement focusing on understanding whether Huntly’s use of force was justified.

The recovery of a firearm from Banks has played a critical role in shaping the investigation. While it remains unclear how the altercation escalated to the point of both parties drawing weapons, the discovery of the gun strengthens Huntly’s claim that he was in danger. Additionally, witnesses who were present during the incident will be crucial in confirming the details of the exchange and whether Huntly acted within his legal rights under Florida’s self-defense laws.

Given the complexities surrounding the case and the self-defense aspect, the State Attorney’s Office will ultimately determine whether criminal charges will be filed against Huntly. If Huntly is found to have acted in self-defense, he could avoid charges of aggravated assault or manslaughter, both of which could lead to severe legal consequences. However, the investigation will continue to assess all aspects of the case, ensuring that the legal process is thorough and fair.

The Impact on the Community: A Shocking and Tragic Incident

The shooting outside Cali Rose 15 Kitchen has left a deep scar in the Lakeland community, particularly among those who knew the victims. Jesse Banks, a 28-year-old man from Lakeland, was known to have connections within the local community. His death, particularly in front of his friends and the public, has been met with shock and disbelief.

Nicholas Lue, though surviving the incident, is still grappling with the physical and emotional impact of the shooting. As of now, Lue is recovering at the hospital, but the road ahead for him will not be easy. The psychological trauma from being involved in such a violent incident, coupled with the loss of a close friend, will undoubtedly have a lasting effect on him.

For the wider Lakeland community, this event raises difficult questions about violence, conflict resolution, and gun safety. In an era where gun violence seems to be on the rise, this tragedy has left many residents questioning how these incidents can be prevented and what can be done to promote non-violent conflict resolution. While this specific case appears to be an issue of self-defense, it highlights the broader issue of how easily situations can escalate when firearms are involved.

Gun Violence and Legal Frameworks: Analyzing the Role of Florida’s Self-Defense Laws

The shooting outside Cali Rose 15 Kitchen brings attention to Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground laws, which allow individuals to use deadly force in certain situations without the duty to retreat. While these laws have been in place for years, their application has been hotly debated, especially in cases where people use lethal force as a first response to confrontation.

Supporters of Stand Your Ground laws argue that they provide individuals with the right to protect themselves when faced with an immediate threat, allowing people to defend their homes, lives, and loved ones without fear of prosecution. However, critics contend that these laws often lead to the overuse of deadly force in situations where other non-lethal responses could be employed.

In this particular case, Tre D’Shon Huntly’s use of force has raised questions about the line between self-defense and excessive violence. Was there a moment when the confrontation could have been defused? Could the situation have been resolved without resorting to deadly force? These questions will be key in determining Huntly’s legal responsibility and whether his actions were justified under the law.

The Role of Mental Health and De-escalation in Preventing Violence

Beyond the legal aspects, the incident also underscores the importance of mental health support and de-escalation tactics in preventing violence. Experts argue that many violent incidents could be avoided if individuals had access to resources that teach them how to manage conflict without resorting to aggression.

In the case of Jesse Banks and Nicholas Lue, a verbal confrontation escalated to violence, and firearms were drawn in the heat of the moment. This highlights the need for better strategies around anger management, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. Moreover, there may have been missed opportunities for early intervention, especially if there was a history of tension or disputes between the parties involved.

Mental health professionals often advocate for de-escalation training in schools, workplaces, and community centers, where individuals can learn how to handle stressful situations calmly and rationally. It is critical that communities prioritize mental well-being and develop programs aimed at reducing violence and promoting peaceful resolution techniques.

The Path Forward: Justice, Healing, and Community Response

As the investigation into the incident continues, Lakeland residents are left with the painful task of coping with the aftermath of the tragedy. The legal process will eventually determine whether Huntly acted within his rights or if he will face criminal charges. Meanwhile, the community will likely continue to grapple with the loss of Jesse Banks and the trauma caused by the incident.

Healing for Nicholas Lue will require not only medical treatment but also mental health support. The trauma of surviving a violent encounter—especially one that involved a close friend—can have long-lasting psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

In the long run, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community support, mental health resources, and gun safety. As Lakeland moves forward, it will be crucial for the city to provide the necessary resources for healing, learning, and preventing future incidents of violence.

As the investigation progresses and more details are released, the hope is that justice will be served and that lessons can be learned to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.

Conclusion: A Tragic Loss with Long-Term Implications

The shooting outside Cali Rose 15 Kitchen has left a community in mourning, and the lives of Jesse Banks and Nicholas Lue have been forever altered. Whether Tre D’Shon Huntly’s actions are classified as self-defense or excessive violence, this tragedy underscores the growing need for better conflict management, mental health support, and gun safety in communities across the nation. The events surrounding this case raise serious questions about how we address violence and the role the law plays in regulating self-defense situations.

As Lakeland continues to process the shock and grief from this incident, there is hope that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for change—one that leads to safer, more peaceful communities for everyone.