Tragedy struck a popular New Orleans second-line parade on Sunday as two people were killed and 10 others were injured in two separate shooting incidents, according to the New Orleans Police Department. Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick revealed that the shootings occurred 45 minutes apart at different locations.
The first shooting took place around 3:40 p.m. when shots were fired into the crowd from a car, resulting in nine individuals being wounded and hospitalized. The police confirmed that two different firearms were used in this incident.
Approximately 45 minutes later, another outbreak of gunfire occurred on a bridge where three more people were struck by bullets within the crowd. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives during this second shooting, while another victim remains in critical condition.
Authorities are still investigating whether the two shootings are connected due to the time gap between the incidents. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed their condolences and called for an end to such senseless violence.
Superintendent Kirkpatrick urged anyone with information, including videos or photos of the incidents, to come forward and assist the police in their investigation. She noted that additional officers were deployed to the event due to its history of potential violence, despite being a community-driven and celebratory occasion.
Second-line parades are a cherished tradition in New Orleans, often organized by social clubs or as part of public gatherings. The events draw large crowds and are meant to be joyous occasions, highlighting the city's cultural heritage.
