(The Center Square) − A bloody Thanksgiving weekend in New Orleans left a three-year-old dead and six others wounded, exposing the city’s ongoing struggles with gun violence even as overall crime rates continue to drop.
The toddler, visiting from Texas, died after accidentally shooting himself with an unsecured handgun at a family gathering.
Meanwhile, street fights escalated into chaotic gun battles on Canal Street and in the French Quarter, injuring three tourists and triggering a stampede on Bourbon Street.
The violence unfolded despite the presence of 400 officers patrolling the area for Bayou Classic festivities, a show of force bolstered by Louisiana State Police troopers deployed under Republican Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration.
“We will not tolerate violence like this in our state,” Landry said in a post on X.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who has faced scrutiny during her scandal-plagued second term, addressed the tragedies at a rare new conference Monday. She extended condolences to grieving families while defending her administration’s crime-fighting efforts, which she credited with driving the nation’s steepest decline in violent crime.
Killings in New Orleans have dropped by 54% since peaking in late 2022, according to crime analyst Jeff Asher.
“The reductions in our crime numbers really do speak for themselves,” Cantrell said. “But unfortunately, we still have those who are impacted by gun violence in New Orleans.”
Cantrell also criticized a recent state law allowing unpermitted concealed carry for individuals 18 and older, calling it a hindrance to law enforcement’s efforts to maintain order during the holiday weekend. However, she acknowledged Governor Landry’s collaboration in supporting public safety, including multi-agency partnerships and increased law enforcement resources.
“There is enough credit to go around when you think about results,” Cantrell said. “We cannot do it alone.”
State Rep. Delisha Boyd, D-New Orleans, weighing in on the broader issues driving crime, emphasized the need for community-focused solutions. “We must invest in education, youth programs, and mental health services to address the root causes of violence,” Boyd told The Center Square. “Community policing and grassroots efforts are equally important for fostering trust and collaboration.”
“Youth programs are crucial for giving young people constructive outlets and opportunities. Supporting after-school initiatives, mentorship, and job training can steer at-risk youth away from crime and toward positive futures,” Boyd said. “Addressing mental health is equally important. Many individuals involved in violent crime struggle with mental health issues that require attention. Increased funding for mental health services and crisis intervention can help address these underlying issues.”