A shooting took the lives of three people, and injured seven others in New Orleans Saturday night. The attackers remain on the loose as of Sunday morning, and police aren’t releasing a lot of information. Here’s what is known about the incident.
1. Two shooters fired into a crowd, police say
This happened outside a daiquiri shop, New Orleans police superintendent Michael Harrison said at a press conference last night. Two people, wearing what may have been hoodies, stepped in front of the location, and opened fire into the crowd, he said. One had a rifle, the other a handgun, Harrison said. Police got the call about this shooting at about 8:35 p.m.
2. 10 Victims
Two men and a woman died at the scene, Harrison said. Their names will be released, pending notification of family and the results of the autopsies. Seven people–five men and two women–were injured and hospitalized. A person in critical condition underwent surgery, but the others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Police believe the gunmen stood over one of the victims, and fired multiple times before fleeing on foot on South Claiborne Avenue toward Martin Luther King Boulevard, Harrison said.
3. Motive remains unknown
It’s unclear why this happened. Asked if this was gang related, Harrison said that remains unknown.
“It was very intentional, but we don’t know right now that it’s gang-related,” he said.
Another reporter asked Harrison if this was personally motivated.
“This has to be personal,” he answer. “Firing indiscriminately into a crowd? Shooting 10 people? Killing three? That’s personal. It doesn’t get more personal and we take it personal, so whoever did this, you should know that the law enforcement community takes it personal and we’re coming for you.”
4. Investigation is ongoing
Harrison said Saturday that police were aware of at least one security camera, and believe they may be more that could help the probe. He suggested that someone else at the scene may know something, and they can call Crimestoppers anonymously.
In their Sunday update, police said they are still collecting evidence to identify the shooters, and the motive. They encourage anyone with information to call homicide detectives at 504-658-5300, at Crimestoppers anonymously at 504-822-1111, or the toll-free number 1-877-903-STOP.
[Screengrab via Matt Sledge of the New Orleans Advocate]