NEW ORLEANS, La. — New Orleans Police say at least 19 people either attending or taking part in a Mother’s day parade were being treated for gunshot wounds after a shootout in New Orleans’s 7th Ward/
Initially, some of the victims were not reported, but now more people who were wounded in the incident have come forward. The youngest victim of the attack was 10-year-old girl. The girl suffered a graze wound on her side, according to WVUE, FOX 8 in New Orleans.
“In fact, many of the victims were grazed, some by bullets that ricocheted,” NOPD spokeswoman Remi Braden. said in an email. “At this point, there are no fatalities, and most of the wounds are not life-threatening.
“But all medical conditions are not known at this time as victims were rushed to nearby hospitals,” Braden continued. “Detectives are conducting interviews, retrieving any surveillance video in the area and, of course, collecting all evidence. This is an extremely unusual occurrence, and we’re confident that we will make swift arrests.”
Police said there were about 200 people at the corner of Frenchmen and North Villere Streets when shots rang out. It has been estimated that 300 to 400 people were attending the second line parade.
A reporter with the Times-Picayune newspaper was participating in the parade when the shooting occurred and heard six to seven shots fired, the newspaper reported.
Three of the 19 victims who were shot are in critical condition.
Police were looking for three suspects in connection with the incident.
“We can tell you without doubt that this police department will find these guys,” NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas said. “We will find them, and we will bring them to custody and will make them pay for the crime they committed today.”
