NEW ORLEANS — The recent violence during a beloved New Orleans cultural celebration, known as a “second-line” parade, has prompted law enforcement to call on witnesses for assistance. This tragic incident has raised concerns about public safety, amid reassurances that such violence does not reflect the city’s ongoing decrease in crime rates.

During the Sunday afternoon parade, gunfire erupted twice along the procession’s route. Initially, ten individuals sustained injuries, and subsequently, two people lost their lives, while three others were injured in a separate shooting. Fortunately, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick reported that all 13 victims were in stable condition as of Monday.

Details surrounding the potential connection between the two shootings and their underlying motives remain unclear. City Council member Eugene Green emphasized the importance of eyewitness accounts at a Monday morning news conference, highlighting that many attendees likely recorded the incident on their phones.

Second-line parades are a cherished tradition in New Orleans, where attendees typically follow behind marching bands to create a second line of revelers. This particular parade was organized by the Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club and occurs annually. Some second-line events are spontaneously arranged to pay tribute to notable figures. Recently, local news anchor Eric Paulson, who sadly passed away from cancer, was honored in such a parade.

Council member Oliver Thomas praised these parades as vital to the cultural fabric and economy of the city, asserting that the violence on Sunday was not connected to the organizers or parade-goers.

The gunfire incident occurred as authorities noted a prevailing decline in violent crime in the city, particularly since the heightened rates observed during the pandemic. The nonprofit Metropolitan Crime Commission also presented statistics demonstrating a significant 49% reduction in homicides since 2022.

Green remarked, “Our city is progressing in the right direction. This represents a severe setback for the families affected by this violent episode. Nevertheless, second-lines, along with our cultural practices, hold substantial significance in New Orleans.” He noted that the parade hosted by Nine Times was their 26th annual event, expressing hope for future parades to continue.

However, Sunday’s tragic events echoed memories of past parades that have also been disrupted by violence, including a notable mass shooting on Mother’s Day in 2013, where 19 individuals were injured. Thomas underscored the cultural and economic relevance of these parades while lamenting reports that some spectators were seen carrying firearms.

Kirkpatrick, who regularly critiques state laws permitting concealed carry without a permit, reiterated, “There is no place for guns at our parades or in entertainment venues.”