Two men died, and 11 others were wounded in separate shootings during a traditional second-line parade in the St. Roch neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana on November 17, 2024.
A second-line parade is a traditional New Orleans procession rooted in African American culture. Attendees follow a “first line” of musicians and organizers, dancing and celebrating as they go.
The first shooting occurred around 3:38 p.m. in the 1800 block of Almonaster Avenue, where ten people were wounded. Police evidence indicated two shooters were involved in this initial incident.
Approximately 45 minutes later, a second burst of gunfire erupted as parade-goers crossed the Almonaster Avenue Bridge. Rasean Carter, 21, and Malachi Jackson, 19, who were related, died from their injuries. A third victim was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
“We have a history with this event,” said New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, “but it is a wonderful event, and we want to keep it that way.”
The shootings occurred during the 26th annual Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club second-line parade, with thousands in attendance. Despite having 100 police officers present, the violence forced authorities to shut down the celebration.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed her thoughts and prayers for the victims of the mass shooting, calling the incident senseless. She emphasized that such lawlessness is unacceptable and hoped that those responsible will be apprehended and fully prosecuted.
Police have not determined if the two shootings are related, noting they involved “different kinds of approaches.” A person of interest has been taken into custody and authorities have not released suspect information.
This marks the second mass shooting in New Orleans in 2024, following an April incident near the Republic NOLA nightclub in the Warehouse District that left 11 injured and one dead.
Despite these shootings, New Orleans has seen a 38% decrease in homicides compared to 2023, with 111 murders recorded as of November 19, 2024. This decline aligns with a nationwide trend, as cities across the United States have reported at least a 16-17% drop in murder rates through September 2024.
Crimestoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information about each shooting.