At least three people were shot on Tuesday afternoon during a high school graduation ceremony on the Xavier University Campus in New Orleans. One elderly woman was killed and two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.
The New Orleans Police Department wrote on Twitter that an investigation into the incident is underway after three victims were transported to local hospitals shortly after the shooting, which occurred around noon. Police noted that the suspect has been detained.
#NOPDAlert: Investigation under way into shooting incident on campus of Xavier University, in area of Convocation Center. Initial information shows three gunshot wound victims transported to local hospital via EMS. Subject has been detained at the scene,” the department tweeted.
NOPD Deputy Supt. Christopher Goodly said the shooting stemmed from a fight that broke out between two females after Morris Jeff Community School’s graduation ceremony. Goodly said a gun was pulled during the argument, according to WGNO.
Fox 8 reported that two of the individuals who were injured in the shooting were males. Goodly did not reveal their ages, but said their injuries were in the leg and shoulder and were considered non-life-threatening. The elderly woman killed is believed to be an innocent bystander.
“This unfortunate incident did not have to happen,” Goodly said, describing the shooting as a “senseless act of violence.”
It is unclear how many weapons were involved or who fired the guns, but witnesses to the incident told Fox 8 that they heard 5 to 12 gunshots. Goodly asked the public to contact the NOPD or Crimestoppers if they have any information on the shooting.
Governor John Bel Edwards wrote in a statement that the shooting was “senseless” and called for the perpetrator to be “brought to justice.”
“For the second time this graduation season in Louisiana, gun violence has marred what should be an exciting day of celebration for high school graduates, their families and teachers. I hope all Louisianans will join me in prayer for the victims of these pointless acts of violence,” Edwards statement read.
“Those who perpetuate these senseless acts of violence will be brought to justice. We must do more to keep our communities safe, and this means we must do more to ensure that those who pose an unacceptable risk of harm to others aren’t able to acquire or keep firearms,” it continued.
“In light of recent gun violence in Buffalo and Uvalde, gun safety discussions and action involving expanded background checks and red flag laws are very much in order.”
