At least one person has been killed and nine others injured in two separate shootings during a popular second-line parade in New Orleans on Sunday, officials said. The shootings occurred approximately 45 minutes apart, as thousands of people gathered to enjoy the annual event.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed the incidents during a Sunday evening news conference, describing the violence as occurring at two different locations within the parade route.
“There are two different scenes here. There are two different shooting events. They are 45 minutes apart,” Kirkpatrick explained. Despite the presence of additional police officers assigned to the parade due to concerns about potential violence, gunfire erupted at around 3:40 p.m., injuring eight people. Police believe a car was involved in the first shooting, with shots fired into the crowd.
“Apparently, a car was involved, and shots were fired into the crowd,” Kirkpatrick said, adding that ballistics evidence indicated two firearms were used. Eight victims were transported to local hospitals, but all are expected to survive, according to the police superintendent.
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The second shooting occurred about 45 minutes later, near a bridge along the parade route. “No cars were able to be on that bridge, so we know the shooting happened within the crowd,” Kirkpatrick said. One person was killed, and another is in “extremely critical condition” following the second incident.
Although the two shootings occurred at different times and locations, police are still investigating whether they are connected. “We’re sure someone probably has video or footage of something, and we would like them to call us or Crime Stoppers,” Kirkpatrick urged the public.
The second-line parade, a cherished cultural tradition in New Orleans, draws large crowds each year, and police had increased their presence at the event due to its history of occasional violence. Despite the tragic events, authorities remain focused on ensuring the safety of future events.
