New Orleans leaders call for better gun control after mass shooting
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NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, City Council members and law enforcement leaders gathered at NOPD headquarters Monday, April 15, 2024, to talk about the mass shooting. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios
A mass shooting late Sunday in New Orleans killed a woman, injured 11 people and left the city reeling with questions about safety and gun control.
The big picture: Scant details were available Monday about the shooting outside Republic NOLA, including the condition of the hospitalized victims.
- Authorities also haven't speculated about a possible motive or a description of a shooter or shooters.
- Family identified the woman who was killed as 24-year-old Jezreel Aquilla Poleate of Harvey, according to NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.
What he's saying: "Sharon and I are praying for the victims and their families in this tragedy," Gov. Jeff Landry posted on X. "This type of violence has no place in our State."
Context: This is the second fatal shooting in two weeks at a bar or club in the city.
- Last week, someone killed a security guard working the door at Witt's Inn in Mid-City.
- A man is in custody and facing charges in that killing, authorities said Monday.
State of play: Democratic leaders called for gun reform after the latest shooting, with state Sen. Royce Duplessis and City Council President Helena Moreno singling out the state's new concealed carry law.
- The law, which was approved by the state's Republican majority, allows Louisiana residents 18+ to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. It goes into effect July 4.
- NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and Mayor LaToya Cantrell reiterated their displeasure with the law Monday, saying New Orleans should be exempt.
- But, if that's not possible, Kirkpatrick said, a large section she calls the hospitality zone should be "carved out" or exempt.
How it would work: The French Quarter, the Downtown Development District and the Convention Center would be gun-free zones under a proposed House bill from Democratic state Rep. Alonzo Knox.
- Republican Sen. Kirk Talbot has a similar bill that's scheduled to be discussed Wednesday in committee. It also includes sporting events.
- School zones and parade routes are already off limits to guns.
Between the lines: It's unclear if the concealed carry law would have made a difference in this shooting.
- Authorities have not said if the shooter was in the club or on the street.
Yes, but: New Orleans has made progress with reducing fatal and non-fatal shootings over the past year.
- Homicides are down 40% year over year, according to Jeff Asher with AH Datalytics. Nationally, they are down 20%.
What's next: NOPD is looking into "new ways in which we can attack the problem of guns," NOPD chief deputy superintendent Hans Ganthier said during a press conference Monday.
- He declined to elaborate but said there's a plan in place.
Meanwhile, anyone with information about the mass shooting is asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
- There's a $5,000 cash reward for tips leading to an arrest.
Editor's note: This story was updated Monday afternoon with additional photos and comments from authorities.
