Crime
School Teacher Laquana Sheppard Injured in New Orleans Terror Attack Seeks Community Support
Laquana Sheppard, a dedicated school teacher and mother, was among the victims injured in the tragic terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans during the New Year’s celebrations.
Her sister, Herbrinisha Sheppard, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to support Laquana as she recovers from severe injuries sustained during the incident.
“On New Year’s, my sister was part of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack,” Herbrinisha explained. “She’s currently in the hospital, recovering from this traumatic experience.”
Laquana’s injuries are significant enough to prevent her from returning to her role as a school teacher, a position she holds with great pride and love.
“She sustained severe injuries that keep her from returning to work as a loving school teacher,” Herbrinisha shared.
In addition to her professional life, Laquana is a devoted mother to her young daughter, adding another layer of urgency to her recovery and financial stability.
Herbrinisha emphasized that the funds raised will be sent directly to Laquana to help her navigate this challenging time, ensuring she can maintain stability as she undergoes her recovery.
“These funds will assist her in keeping her life somewhat stable through this critical recovery process,” Herbrinisha wrote.
She also urged the community to contribute by either donating or sharing the campaign to spread awareness.
The attack has left Laquana and her family reeling, but her sister remains hopeful that the kindness and generosity of others will help them through this trying time.
“Please help her out by donating or sharing her information. Everything is greatly appreciated!”
The GoFundMe campaign is active, and contributions of any size will directly support Laquana’s medical and living expenses as she works toward recovery.
This tragic incident has left many families, like the Sheppards, grappling with unimaginable challenges. The community’s support can make a meaningful difference in helping Laquana heal and rebuild her life.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.