New Orleans, Louisiana — A shooting at a renowned restaurant left one person dead and three others injured, prompting a swift investigation by local authorities. The incident occurred Friday evening around 8 p.m. at Dooky Chase, a historic establishment known for its connection to the civil rights movement.
The New Orleans Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the 2300 block of Orleans Avenue, where they discovered four victims suffering from gunshot wounds. A 19-year-old man, who resided in the vicinity, was declared dead at the scene. The other three victims, all adult women, were quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where their conditions were reported as critical and stable, with one undergoing surgical treatment.
According to Mayor Helena Moreno, the shooting was not random; the intended target had entered the restaurant just as the violence erupted. “It was the person running into the restaurant who was the target,” Moreno said. The mayor’s statement underscored the tragic nature of the incident, highlighting that innocent bystanders were also caught in the crossfire.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that the deceased victim was pursued into the restaurant, where he ultimately collapsed after being shot. Kirkpatrick added that this dramatic pursuit resulted in injuries to those present, including visitors who were in a small foyer outside the dining area when the shooting occurred.
The suspect remains at large and has been described as a Black male dressed in a black hoodie. Reports indicate that he fled the scene but returned briefly before disappearing into the surrounding neighborhood.
Dooky Chase has served as a cultural cornerstone for over 85 years, celebrated for both its culinary contributions and its pivotal role in the civil rights movement. Founded by the beloved chef Leah Chase, the restaurant has historically hosted prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall, who gathered there during the fight for desegregation in Louisiana.
Local officials emphasized that Dooky Chase had not previously been linked to violent incidents, enhancing the shock of this attack. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence to identify the shooter and uncover the motives behind the tragic event. Authorities are urging anyone with information or relevant video evidence to reach out to the NOPD Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans.