One person died and another was injured after gunshots were fired outside a popular New Orleans eatery over the weekend.
New Orleans police said the shooting occurred on Friday night outside Mandina’s Restaurant in the Mid-City neighborhood, claiming the life of a waiter and injuring a tourist visiting from Chicago.
Police believe two suspects, arriving by car, specifically targeted the waiter, identified as 23-year-old Hilbert Walker III by his family members.
The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. on Canal Street while Walker served customers outside the restaurant. A security guard, unharmed in the incident, returned fire. The shooting caused panic among diners, who sought cover inside the well-known establishment.
A 54-year-old woman from Chicago, visiting for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, was at Mandina’s to celebrate a friend’s birthday when she was hit by a bullet, according to police. Terri Hemmert, a radio host in Chicago, described the terrifying experience on Facebook, recounting how a hail of bullets abruptly interrupted her birthday celebration with 28 friends. Hemmert described the surreal and harrowing moments as the incident unfolded.
The shooting occurred on day one of the two-weekend Jazz Fest when the city sees a surge in tourists. Michelle Woodfork, the Interim New Orleans Police Superintendent, said it was an isolated incident that did not occur near the festival grounds. According to police, the intended target of the assailants was the waiter, Walker.
Authorities have not arrested any suspects in connection with the shooting, and the motive behind the shooting remains unknown.
Mandina’s Restaurant remained closed throughout the weekend but resumed its luncheon service on Monday. The family-owned establishment, operating since 1932, is renowned for its authentic New Orleans cuisine.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell expressed her condolences to the shooting victims, describing the incident as another senseless act of violence that marred what should have been a celebratory day.
