UpStairs Lounge Arson Attack
LGBT Bar Arson Attack
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
New Orleans, Louisiana
TIME PERIOD
June 24, 1973
VICTIMS
32 confirmed
On June 24, 1973, an arson attack occurred at the UpStairs Lounge, a gay bar located at 604 Iberville Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, resulting in the deaths of 32 individuals and injuries to 15 others due to fire and smoke inhalation. The incident took place between 7:56 and 8:12 p.m. during a busy evening when approximately 60-90 patrons remained after a drink special. The primary suspect, Roger Dale Nunez, a gay man with a history of psychiatric issues who had been ejected from the bar earlier that day, was never charged and died by suicide in November 1974. The official cause of the fire remains "undetermined origin," and this attack is noted as one of the deadliest against a gay establishment in U.S. history until the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting.
Roger Dale Nunez is widely believed to be the primary suspect in the UpStairs Lounge arson attack, as he had been ejected from the bar earlier that day and had a history of psychiatric issues. Some speculate that his suicide in 1974 may have been connected to guilt or fear over the incident. There are also theories suggesting that the attack was motivated by anti-LGBT sentiment, given the context of the time and the nature of the crime.
The UpStairs Lounge Arson: A Tragic Night in New Orleans
A Night of Horror
On the evening of June 24, 1973, a seemingly ordinary Sunday at the UpStairs Lounge, a gay bar nestled on the second floor of a three-story building at 604 Iberville Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, turned into a night of horror. As patrons enjoyed their time, an arson attack ignited the premises, leading to the deaths of 32 individuals and injuring 15 more due to the rapidly spreading fire and smoke inhalation. The tragedy, marked by its indeterminate origin, remained the deadliest attack on a gay club in U.S. history until the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting.
Setting the Scene
The UpStairs Lounge was a vibrant gathering place for the local LGBTQ+ community, located at the bustling corner of Chartres and Iberville Streets. It was a haven for members of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), a pro-LGBT Protestant denomination that had been using the space for services. The MCC, founded in Los Angeles in 1968, was the first national gay Christian fellowship in the United States. Tragically, the UpStairs Lounge fire was the third arson attack linked to the MCC in 1973, following previous incidents in Los Angeles and Nashville, which thankfully resulted in no injuries.
The Fateful Evening
The evening began with the Lounge's regular "beer bust" drink special, drawing a crowd of around 110 patrons. As the event wound down at 7:00 PM, approximately 60 to 90 patrons remained, enjoying the music of pianist George Steven "Bud" Matyi and discussing an upcoming MCC fundraiser for a local children's hospital.
As the clock neared 8:00 PM, a buzzer sounded from downstairs. Bartender Buddy Rasmussen, a veteran of the Air Force, asked Luther Boggs to check the door, expecting a taxi cab driver. Instead, upon opening the door, Boggs was met with a terrifying sight: the staircase was engulfed in flames, and the acrid scent of lighter fluid filled the air.
Rasmussen quickly sprang into action, leading about twenty patrons through a back exit to the roof, providing access to a neighboring building's roof and a route to safety. Tragically, others were trapped inside, some attempting desperate escapes through barred windows. One man, despite managing to squeeze through a gap, fell to his death while ablaze. Reverend Bill Larson of the MCC remained clinging to the window bars until he succumbed to the flames; his body was visible to onlookers for hours afterward. Boggs, who suffered severe burns, died 16 days later from his injuries.
Firefighters, stationed just two blocks away, were delayed by traffic congestion. As they rushed to the scene, a fire truck collided with a taxi. Upon arrival, they found patrons struggling against the security bars, but swiftly brought the fire under control.
Victims of the Tragedy
The fire claimed the lives of 28 people on-site, with one more dying en route to the hospital. Another 18 sustained injuries, and among them, three succumbed to their injuries, including Luther Boggs. The victims were a diverse group, including Joseph Henry Adams, Reginald E. Adams, Guy D. Andersen, and many others, with two unidentified white males among the deceased.
Reactions and Memorials
The aftermath saw many churches refusing to hold funerals for the victims. Reverend William P. Richardson of St. George's Episcopal Church bravely held a small prayer service on June 25, attended by about 80 people. However, this act of compassion was met with rebuke from Iveson B. Noland, Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana, who received over 100 complaints.
Further memorial services took place on July 1 at a Unitarian church and St. Mark's United Methodist Church, led by MCC founder Reverend Troy Perry and other religious leaders. Attendees, defying societal stigma, chose to exit through the main door, publicly acknowledging their identities.
Tragically, several families did not claim the bodies of their deceased loved ones. Anonymous benefactors stepped in to finance the burials of three unknown men, who were laid to rest alongside Ferris LeBlanc in a mass grave at Holt Cemetery. It wasn't until 2015 that LeBlanc's family learned of his demise.
In 2018, director Robert L. Camina announced the identification of one unknown victim as Larry Norman Frost. However, this claim faced skepticism from fellow researchers due to a lack of forensic evidence and conflicting historical records.
The Investigation
The official investigation into the arson failed to result in any convictions. The primary suspect, Roger Dale Nunez, a gay man with a history of psychiatric issues, had been ejected from the bar earlier that evening following a fight. Police were unable to question him immediately due to his hospitalization for a broken jaw and later dismissed a potentially key witness as unreliable.
Nunez, diagnosed with "conversion hysteria" in 1970, had frequented psychiatric clinics and escaped custody after being arrested. A friend later reported that Nunez confessed to starting the fire on multiple occasions, claiming he hadn't intended such devastation. Nunez died by suicide in November 1974, leaving the case unresolved. The state fire marshal's office officially closed the case in 1980 due to a lack of leads.
Legacy and Remembrance
Today, the site of the UpStairs Lounge houses business offices and a kitchen for the Jimani Lounge, while the building's third floor remains unused. The arson attack left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community and inspired various commemorations. In 1998, a 25th-anniversary service, attended by a diverse group of community leaders, was held, and a jazz funeral procession honored the victims.
In 2003, a memorial plaque was installed at the site, later refurbished in 2019. Though stolen in 2024, it was replaced in 2025. Art installations, such as Skylar Fein's "Remember the Upstairs Lounge," and documentaries, including "Upstairs Inferno," continue to keep the memory of the victims alive.
In 2013, then-Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Michael Aymond expressed regret for the church's failure to address the tragedy, acknowledging past shortcomings in extending condolences and support.
Media Depictions
The arson attack has been depicted in various media forms, including documentaries like "The UpStairs Lounge Fire" and "Upstairs Inferno." These films, along with theatrical productions and art exhibits, strive to honor the victims and highlight the societal changes since the tragedy.
Despite the passage of time, the UpStairs Lounge arson remains a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing fight for acceptance and justice.
Sources
For further details, visit the original article: Wikipedia: UpStairs Lounge arson attack
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UpStairs Lounge Fire
An arson attack at the UpStairs Lounge results in 32 deaths and 15 injuries.
Suspect Dies by Suicide
Roger Dale Nunez, the primary suspect in the arson, dies by suicide.
Case Closed
The state fire marshal's office closes the investigation due to lack of leads.
25th Anniversary Memorial
A memorial service is held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fire.
Memorial Plaque Installed
A memorial plaque is placed at the site of the UpStairs Lounge fire.
40th Anniversary Commemoration
A commemoration event is held for the 40th anniversary of the fire.
Unknown Victim Identified
One of the unknown victims of the fire is identified as Larry Norman Frost.
Memorial Plaque Stolen
The memorial plaque at the site of the fire is reported stolen.
Plaque Replaced
The memorial plaque at the site of the UpStairs Lounge fire is replaced.
On June 24, 1973, an arson attack occurred at the UpStairs Lounge, a gay bar located at 604 Iberville Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, resulting in the deaths of 32 individuals and injuries to 15 others due to fire and smoke inhalation. The incident took place between 7:56 and 8:12 p.m. during a busy evening when approximately 60-90 patrons remained after a drink special. The primary suspect, Roger Dale Nunez, a gay man with a history of psychiatric issues who had been ejected from the bar earlier that day, was never charged and died by suicide in November 1974. The official cause of the fire remains "undetermined origin," and this attack is noted as one of the deadliest against a gay establishment in U.S. history until the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting.
Roger Dale Nunez is widely believed to be the primary suspect in the UpStairs Lounge arson attack, as he had been ejected from the bar earlier that day and had a history of psychiatric issues. Some speculate that his suicide in 1974 may have been connected to guilt or fear over the incident. There are also theories suggesting that the attack was motivated by anti-LGBT sentiment, given the context of the time and the nature of the crime.
The UpStairs Lounge Arson: A Tragic Night in New Orleans
A Night of Horror
On the evening of June 24, 1973, a seemingly ordinary Sunday at the UpStairs Lounge, a gay bar nestled on the second floor of a three-story building at 604 Iberville Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, turned into a night of horror. As patrons enjoyed their time, an arson attack ignited the premises, leading to the deaths of 32 individuals and injuring 15 more due to the rapidly spreading fire and smoke inhalation. The tragedy, marked by its indeterminate origin, remained the deadliest attack on a gay club in U.S. history until the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting.
Setting the Scene
The UpStairs Lounge was a vibrant gathering place for the local LGBTQ+ community, located at the bustling corner of Chartres and Iberville Streets. It was a haven for members of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), a pro-LGBT Protestant denomination that had been using the space for services. The MCC, founded in Los Angeles in 1968, was the first national gay Christian fellowship in the United States. Tragically, the UpStairs Lounge fire was the third arson attack linked to the MCC in 1973, following previous incidents in Los Angeles and Nashville, which thankfully resulted in no injuries.
The Fateful Evening
The evening began with the Lounge's regular "beer bust" drink special, drawing a crowd of around 110 patrons. As the event wound down at 7:00 PM, approximately 60 to 90 patrons remained, enjoying the music of pianist George Steven "Bud" Matyi and discussing an upcoming MCC fundraiser for a local children's hospital.
As the clock neared 8:00 PM, a buzzer sounded from downstairs. Bartender Buddy Rasmussen, a veteran of the Air Force, asked Luther Boggs to check the door, expecting a taxi cab driver. Instead, upon opening the door, Boggs was met with a terrifying sight: the staircase was engulfed in flames, and the acrid scent of lighter fluid filled the air.
Rasmussen quickly sprang into action, leading about twenty patrons through a back exit to the roof, providing access to a neighboring building's roof and a route to safety. Tragically, others were trapped inside, some attempting desperate escapes through barred windows. One man, despite managing to squeeze through a gap, fell to his death while ablaze. Reverend Bill Larson of the MCC remained clinging to the window bars until he succumbed to the flames; his body was visible to onlookers for hours afterward. Boggs, who suffered severe burns, died 16 days later from his injuries.
Firefighters, stationed just two blocks away, were delayed by traffic congestion. As they rushed to the scene, a fire truck collided with a taxi. Upon arrival, they found patrons struggling against the security bars, but swiftly brought the fire under control.
Victims of the Tragedy
The fire claimed the lives of 28 people on-site, with one more dying en route to the hospital. Another 18 sustained injuries, and among them, three succumbed to their injuries, including Luther Boggs. The victims were a diverse group, including Joseph Henry Adams, Reginald E. Adams, Guy D. Andersen, and many others, with two unidentified white males among the deceased.
Reactions and Memorials
The aftermath saw many churches refusing to hold funerals for the victims. Reverend William P. Richardson of St. George's Episcopal Church bravely held a small prayer service on June 25, attended by about 80 people. However, this act of compassion was met with rebuke from Iveson B. Noland, Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana, who received over 100 complaints.
Further memorial services took place on July 1 at a Unitarian church and St. Mark's United Methodist Church, led by MCC founder Reverend Troy Perry and other religious leaders. Attendees, defying societal stigma, chose to exit through the main door, publicly acknowledging their identities.
Tragically, several families did not claim the bodies of their deceased loved ones. Anonymous benefactors stepped in to finance the burials of three unknown men, who were laid to rest alongside Ferris LeBlanc in a mass grave at Holt Cemetery. It wasn't until 2015 that LeBlanc's family learned of his demise.
In 2018, director Robert L. Camina announced the identification of one unknown victim as Larry Norman Frost. However, this claim faced skepticism from fellow researchers due to a lack of forensic evidence and conflicting historical records.
The Investigation
The official investigation into the arson failed to result in any convictions. The primary suspect, Roger Dale Nunez, a gay man with a history of psychiatric issues, had been ejected from the bar earlier that evening following a fight. Police were unable to question him immediately due to his hospitalization for a broken jaw and later dismissed a potentially key witness as unreliable.
Nunez, diagnosed with "conversion hysteria" in 1970, had frequented psychiatric clinics and escaped custody after being arrested. A friend later reported that Nunez confessed to starting the fire on multiple occasions, claiming he hadn't intended such devastation. Nunez died by suicide in November 1974, leaving the case unresolved. The state fire marshal's office officially closed the case in 1980 due to a lack of leads.
Legacy and Remembrance
Today, the site of the UpStairs Lounge houses business offices and a kitchen for the Jimani Lounge, while the building's third floor remains unused. The arson attack left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community and inspired various commemorations. In 1998, a 25th-anniversary service, attended by a diverse group of community leaders, was held, and a jazz funeral procession honored the victims.
In 2003, a memorial plaque was installed at the site, later refurbished in 2019. Though stolen in 2024, it was replaced in 2025. Art installations, such as Skylar Fein's "Remember the Upstairs Lounge," and documentaries, including "Upstairs Inferno," continue to keep the memory of the victims alive.
In 2013, then-Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Michael Aymond expressed regret for the church's failure to address the tragedy, acknowledging past shortcomings in extending condolences and support.
Media Depictions
The arson attack has been depicted in various media forms, including documentaries like "The UpStairs Lounge Fire" and "Upstairs Inferno." These films, along with theatrical productions and art exhibits, strive to honor the victims and highlight the societal changes since the tragedy.
Despite the passage of time, the UpStairs Lounge arson remains a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing fight for acceptance and justice.
Sources
For further details, visit the original article: Wikipedia: UpStairs Lounge arson attack
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
UpStairs Lounge Fire
An arson attack at the UpStairs Lounge results in 32 deaths and 15 injuries.
Suspect Dies by Suicide
Roger Dale Nunez, the primary suspect in the arson, dies by suicide.
Case Closed
The state fire marshal's office closes the investigation due to lack of leads.
25th Anniversary Memorial
A memorial service is held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fire.
Memorial Plaque Installed
A memorial plaque is placed at the site of the UpStairs Lounge fire.
40th Anniversary Commemoration
A commemoration event is held for the 40th anniversary of the fire.
Unknown Victim Identified
One of the unknown victims of the fire is identified as Larry Norman Frost.
Memorial Plaque Stolen
The memorial plaque at the site of the fire is reported stolen.
Plaque Replaced
The memorial plaque at the site of the UpStairs Lounge fire is replaced.