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.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.