ALBAWABA- New Orleans police are investigating two separate shootings near a parade route on Sunday, leaving two people dead and 10 others injured during a celebration in the city's St. Roch neighborhood.
The first incident occurred around 3:30 PM, when officers responded to reports of gunfire on an avenue in St. Roch. Eight victims were found with gunshot wounds and were transported to hospitals. A ninth victim later arrived at a hospital via private vehicle.
Approximately 45 minutes later, a second shooting erupted as revelers crossed the Almonaster Avenue Bridge, less than a mile from the first scene. One person died at the scene, another succumbed to injuries at a hospital, and a third victim, transported privately, is in stable condition.
No arrests have been made, and police have not yet identified suspects. Authorities are investigating whether the two shootings are connected.
“They were ... different kinds of approaches,” said Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, emphasizing the need to preserve the celebratory spirit of the "second line" parade tradition that was taking place in the area.
During the investigation, the Almonaster Bridge was closed in both directions, and the St. Roch neighborhood, located outside the tourist-heavy French Quarter, remains under heightened scrutiny.
This incident marks the second major shooting in the South within days, following gunfire at Tuskegee University’s homecoming on November 10, which left one dead and 16 injured.
