NEW ORLEANS — A tragic shooting occurred on Thursday afternoon in the French Quarter, a well-known tourist area of New Orleans, resulting in one fatality and injuring three other individuals, as reported by police.
Officers were dispatched to the scene at the intersection of Iberville and Royal streets around 12:21 p.m. and managed to take at least one of the three suspects into custody, according to Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
Kirkpatrick revealed that at least three armed and masked individuals arrived in a silver 2016 Honda Accord, targeted the vicinity of Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, and opened fire.
“This was not a random act of violence, and it was clear to us,” Kirkpatrick stated during a press briefing held at the location of the incident.
The identity of the arrested suspect, along with any potential charges, has not yet been disclosed.
Furthermore, Kirkpatrick made an appeal to the additional suspects to turn themselves in.
“We are aware of your identities,” she asserted. “We encourage you to come forward and surrender.”
Authorities have since recovered at least one firearm connected to the incident.
This shooting incident marks the second occurrence of gun violence in Orleans Parish within a week.
Just days prior, on Sunday, gunfire erupted during the Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club’s second line parade, initially injuring ten people and subsequently leading to two fatalities and an additional injury about 45 minutes later as the parade passed over the Almonaster bridge.
“It is devastating that we are witnessing yet another mass shooting this week,” said Helena Moreno, the president of the New Orleans City Council, in a public statement.
“We are grappling with a larger issue of gun violence throughout our city and it is unacceptable. This does not define us, and those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Kirkpatrick highlighted that November 2023 saw a total of 20 recorded homicides, and with Thursday’s shooting, the count for November 2024 has now reached nine.
The last multiple victim shooting in the French Quarter occurred in November 2022, where five individuals were injured but none fatally, in the 200 block of Bourbon Street. In another incident in November 2016, one person was killed and nine were injured in a shooting in the 100 block of Bourbon Street.
As for the victims of Thursday’s shooting, two are reportedly in stable condition, while one is undergoing surgery.
At the time of the shooting, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse was closed, and no employees sustained injuries. A spokesperson for the restaurant, Lindsay Ross, confirmed that the establishment will remain closed for the remainder of Thursday.