Nov. 18 (UPI) — Two people were killed and 10 others injured in a pair of shootings on Sunday linked to a second-line parade in New Orleans, prompting police to shut down the event.
The shootings took place within a space of about 45 minutes on Sunday afternoon along the route of the second line parade, organized by the Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club.
The first shooting was reported at 3:38 PM local time on Sunday in the 1800 block of Almonaster Avenue. The second occurred 45 minutes later at the intersection of Almonaster and Florida avenues.
Authorities said officers assigned to the parade responded to the first shooting and located eight people with gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital. A ninth shooting victim later arrived and sought medical attention, police said.
Police Inspector Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters On Sunday evening, a car was involved and shots were fired into the crowd.
“All of these victims are still alive right now,” she said.
In the second shooting, officers found two victims, one who was pronounced dead at the scene on the bridge and the other who was pronounced dead at a local hospital. A third victim later arrived for treatment and was listed in stable condition, according to authorities.
Kirkpatrick said no cars were involved in the violence because vehicles were not allowed on the bridge during the parade.
“We know the shooting happened in the crowd,” she said.
No weapons were recovered from either shooting and it was unknown if the incidents were related, she said.
New Orleans police said an investigation is underway, which led to the second-line parade being halted.
“Detectives are working diligently to gather information and identify those responsible for these incidents and a motive,” the New Orleans Police Department said. a statementas she urged members of the public with information about both shootings to contact them.
The exact cause of death and the identities of the two deceased victims will be determined after autopsies conducted by the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office, the NOPD said.
A second line parade is a community-organized event in which a marching band leads a procession through the streets. Traditionally they are organized for weddings, funerals and parties.
Kirkpatrick said Sunday’s event is one of the city’s largest second-line parades, drawing thousands of people, but has been linked to violence in the past, prompting them to deploy additional officers to the event.
“The City of New Orleans is saddened by the loss of life resulting from the incident that occurred this afternoon in the Fifth District and extends its condolences to the families of the victims. We also ask the community to join us in praying for the other victims reported to have been injured by gunfire,” the city said a statement.
“The City of New Orleans strongly condemns the violence that has occurred and our NOPD officers are working diligently to restore stability to this community as they investigate the matter.”