Two people were killed and 10 injured in two separate shootings during a second line parade event in New Orleans on Sunday.
The shootings occurred within 45 minutes of each other in the city’s fifth district. It is not yet known if they are connected.
According to The Associated Press, officers first responded to reports of gunfire on an avenue in the St. Roch neighborhood. Eight people were found with gunshot wounds and transported to hospital. A ninth victim later traveled to hospital by private car.
“Apparently, a car was involved [in the shooting]…and shots were fired into the crowd,” New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters at a news conference on Sunday.
David Grunfeld/AP
Kirkpatrick also confirmed that all nine people injured in that shooting were alive.
Ballistics evidence at the scene confirmed that two weapons were used, Kirkpatrick said.
Approximately 45 minutes later, police received another report of gunfire. This occurred as revelers were crossing Almonaster Avenue Bridge—half a mile to the north of the first shooting location.
One victim died at the scene and another at hospital. A third victim is currently in hospital in a stable condition.
“Because no cars were able to be on that bridge, we know that the shooting occurred within the crowd,” Kirkpatrick said.
Police immediately shut down the parade and closed the Almonaster Avenue Bridge in both directions.
An investigation is currently underway to determine those responsible and motives. As yet, police are unsure if the two shootings are connected. No arrests have been made and no information about a potential suspect has yet been released.
Newsweek emailed the NOPD outside of working hours for comment.
The parade was a celebration of the 26th annual outing of the Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club, an organizer told local news outlet NOLA.com.
The second line is a tradition in parades in New Orleans. The first line comprises the main section of the parade, with the second line consisting of people following in the wake of the main section.
The shootings occurred despite 100 officers having been assigned to the event because of the perceived potential for violence.
“A tragic scene in the St. Roch neighborhood this evening. Sharon and I are praying for all involved and we are grateful to the first responders who rushed to the scene. The violence must end,” said Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry in a statement on X.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also released a statement praying for the victims and their families.
“This kind of lawlessness will NOT be tolerated. I’m hopeful the perpetrators are caught soon & prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” she said.
The shooting follows an incident at Tuskegee University, Alabama on November 10 which killed one person and injured 16 others.