New Orleans – Three female tourists were wounded and a 19-year-old man was killed Friday night after a shooting spilled into Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, a renowned Creole landmark, as the victim tried to escape gunfire, city officials said Monday.
Shooting Spilled Into Crowded Restaurant
The violence unfolded just after 8 p.m. Friday, when the 19-year-old was chased down a street and shot at, according to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. As he attempted to flee, the man ran into the foyer of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, which was crowded with diners waiting for tables.
Gunfire followed him inside, striking three bystanders, Kirkpatrick said. All three were women visiting New Orleans—two friends from Los Angeles and one visitor from Florida.
Victims’ Conditions
One of the women from Los Angeles was shot approximately five times and has undergone multiple surgeries. Her friend also required surgery and was reported to be in stable condition. The woman visiting from Florida was shot as well but was treated at a hospital and later released.
Police said the shooter remains at large. Investigators believe there was one gunman, though authorities have not ruled out the possibility that others were involved.
Targeted Attack, Motive Still Unclear
Kirkpatrick said the 19-year-old who was killed appeared to be the intended target of the shooting, describing it as “a retaliatory type of shooting.” The exact motive, however, has not yet been determined.
The victim was identified as Kareem Harris, according to local station WVUE-TV, which first reported his name.
Restaurant and Community React
Following the shooting, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant released a statement expressing gratitude for the support shown to its guests, staff, and family.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our guests, staff, family, and our historic restaurant during this difficult time,” the Chase family said. “As a family rooted in faith and community, we lift up in prayer all those impacted by this random and tragic incident.”
A Historic Landmark
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is a culinary and cultural landmark in New Orleans, celebrated for its Creole cuisine and its role as a gathering place for Civil Rights leaders. Over the years, it has welcomed numerous prominent figures, including Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama during their time in office.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as police continue searching for the suspect.
