***Updated*** MAYOR CANTRELL ISSUES STATEMENT ON LAST NIGHT’S SHOOTING INCIDENT
NEW ORLEANS — "Mardi Gras is our time to shine, and people convene on the streets of New Orleans from all parts of the world to witness how we celebrate our culture," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
"To accomplish this task, we’ve partnered with law enforcement agencies across the state to deploy over 100 additional law enforcement personnel to assist the New Orleans Police Department in keeping our parade routes safe.
The NOPD officers, along with our local, state and federal partners, have been visible and engaged and have worked tirelessly to keep this family-friendly celebration safe for parade-goers and to allow krewes to parade successfully.
Unfortunately, individuals utilize opportunities like these to deter us from our main goal of keeping our residents and visitors safe. Last night's incidents do not and will not reflect the successful Carnival season we have experienced thus far. This is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. I commend the NOPD for their immediate apprehension of a suspect and the removal of two guns from the scene moments after the incident. Our law enforcement partners have been able to remove 112 guns from near or around the parade routes so far. These actions are critical in avoiding such incidents.
Please, it is imperative that we keep our routes safe -- safe for our residents, our visitors and our children. Mardi Gras is about coming together to celebrate the greatest free show on earth. We must continue to parade safely; leave the violence at home! It has no place in the City of New Orleans, and it has no place near our parade routes. Thank you to our outside law enforcement agencies for joining the NOPD to manage the hundreds of thousands of visitors who have descended upon our city over the last two weeks. We truly couldn’t do this without you. Residents, thank you for continuing to support our efforts to keep you safe -- and thank you to our visitors for continuing to fill the streets of New Orleans with your love, your passion and your exhilarating spirit. We look forward to a safe and successful conclusion to the Carnival season."
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