An elderly woman was killed and two men were injured when gunmen opened fire on her after a high school graduation ceremony on Tuesday. Xavier UniversityIts campus.
The New Orleans Police Department He said a fight broke out between the two women as they were leaving the graduation and family ceremony and that is when the shooting took place.
Police said the three injured were taken to a local hospital where the woman was pronounced dead. Injuries to two men – one on the shoulder and the other on the leg – are not considered life-threatening.
At least three people were detained for questioning, but no arrests were made until Tuesday afternoon.
“I am outraged and sorry for the atrocities committed today outside of Xavier University,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. “The seniors who graduated from Maurice Jeff were there to share their collective achievements and jump into the brilliance of their future – just to shatter their optimism through gun violence. This needs to stop. We must unite as a community, as a country, to address the damage caused by gun access and to the root of the anger and frustration that compels individuals to think of harming even others. All our children have the right to be safe and we must do our best to protect that right. My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and I urge all of us to gather around them in their time of need. “
The shooting took place in a parking lot outside the convocation center, which many local high schools use to host their graduation ceremonies. Witnesses said at least 5-12 shots could be heard from anywhere.