Crime
2 killed, 10 wounded in two shootings during crowded second line parade in the St. Roch area of New Orleans
A day meant for celebration turned grim in New Orleans on Sunday as two separate shootings along a parade route left two people dead and ten others injured.
The incidents unfolded amid a large crowd attending festivities organized by the Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club in the city’s St. Roch neighborhood.
First Incident: St. Roch Avenue Shooting
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) reported that the first shooting occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. on St. Roch Avenue.
Responding officers found eight victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
All were transported to hospitals, though their conditions remain undisclosed.
A ninth victim later arrived at a hospital in a private vehicle.
Second Incident: Almonaster Avenue Bridge Shooting
Approximately 45 minutes later, a second shooting took place as revelers crossed the Almonaster Avenue Bridge, located about half a mile from the first scene.
- Fatalities and Injuries:
- One person died at the scene.
- Another succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
- A third individual, driven to a hospital by private vehicle, is reported to be in stable condition.
The bridge was closed in both directions during the investigation, further disrupting the day’s festivities.
Investigation and Uncertainty
No arrests have been made, and the NOPD has not yet released any suspect information. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated that detectives are working to determine whether the two shootings are connected, noting that the attacks appeared to involve “different kinds of approaches.”
The St. Roch neighborhood, located just northeast of the French Quarter, is typically outside the main tourist areas.
The shootings occurred during a “second line” parade, a beloved New Orleans tradition where attendees follow a brass band in a lively procession.
Community Impact and Response
Oscar Brown, an organizer of the Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club, expressed dismay over the violence disrupting what is usually a joyful annual event.
“This is a wonderful event, and we want to keep it that way,” Kirkpatrick affirmed, underscoring the community’s commitment to preserving the spirit of the celebration despite the tragedy.
Context of Recent Violence
This incident marks the second major shooting in the South within days. On November 10, a shooting at Tuskegee University in Alabama during homecoming weekend left one person dead and 16 others injured, including 12 by gunfire.
New Orleans authorities continue to investigate the shootings, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by officers during a police interaction in south Fargo on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The victim has been named as 65-year-old Peter Greco, who was shot after exiting his home armed with a handgun following a prolonged conversation with police.
Incident Overview
According to the Fargo Police Department, officers were dispatched to Greco’s residence in the 6100 block of 61st Avenue South, located about half a mile south of Deer Creek Elementary School, at 10:12 a.m.
The call stemmed from concerns about Greco’s well-being, as he had reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts.
Officers Sgt. Lucas Mock and Officer Princeten Harris engaged in conversation with Greco for more than 30 minutes in an effort to de-escalate the situation.
Despite their efforts, Greco exited the home armed with a handgun. At this point, both officers fired their weapons, fatally striking him.
Emergency medical personnel and Fargo Fire Department units, already on scene due to the nature of the call, immediately rendered aid to Greco. Despite their efforts, Greco was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officer Backgrounds
The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a use-of-force investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Sgt. Lucas Mock
- Tenure: Joined Fargo Police Department in 2016 as a patrol officer.
- Promotions: Promoted to sergeant in November 2021.
- Roles: Day shift supervisor in the Neighborhood Services Division.
- Additional Duties:
- Commander of the department’s Crowd Management Team.
- Former member of the Red River Valley SWAT team for four years.
- Instructor in the Training and Development Unit.
Officer Princeten Harris
- Tenure: Recently graduated from Fargo Police Academy Class VII.
- Current Status: Completing the Police Training Officer program.
- Experience: On the force for 10 months at the time of the incident.
Community and Department Response
Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski emphasized the efforts made by officers to de-escalate the situation before the fatal shooting.
The department has committed to transparency as the investigation continues.
Next Steps
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting a thorough review of the incident, including the officers’ actions and the circumstances leading to the use of force. Both officers will remain on administrative leave until the investigation concludes.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to mental health crises, and authorities are urging anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek help by contacting local resources or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.