By Rick Jervis, USA TODAY, Μον Απριλ 12τη, 2010
It's not clear if the injured bystanders, ranging in age from 15 to 50, were out-of-town tourists enjoying the French Quarter Festival, a three-day music and food celebration that ended Sunday, or local residents, New Orleans Police Assistant Superintendent Marlon Defillo said.More than 50 extra officers were patrolling Canal Street because of the festival, which had just ended for the night, but were unable to capture the assailant, who managed to blend in with the crowd and escape, he said.
"Unfortunately, you have individuals with total disregard to public safety who decided to act violently," Defillo said. No one was seriously hurt, he said.
Six of the victims were treated with minor injuries and released from area hospitals, he said. The seventh was one of the two men in the argument and remained in guarded condition.
New Orleans had been enjoying an unexpected surge of tourists to the city thanks to the New Orleans Saints' triumphant run to the Super Bowl, followed by a robust Mardi Gras season.
French Quarter Festival, an outdoor event that showcases dozens of local bands, had again drawn thousands of visitors to the city.
The Checkered Parrot, a sports bar located around the corner from Saturday's shooting, is having its most profitable year since opening in 2007, thanks to the Saints run and a string of conventions, manager Tiffany Grant said. But incidents such as the shooting could quickly put the brakes on a good year, she said.
"It hits home too much when it's in the French Quarter," Grant said. "This is the most tourist-populated area of the city."
On April 23, the city will host the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a multi-day music and cultural event that in past years has attracted 400,000 visitors.
Saturday's incident began at around 9 p.m., when the two men ran into each other at the McDonald's restaurant on Canal Street on the western edge of the French Quarter, Defillo said.
When they walked outside, one of the men was handed a semi-automatic handgun by an acquaintance and began shooting at the victim on the crowded street, he said.
On Sunday, the shooting didn't appear to have an effect on the last day of the festival, as crowds strolled through the historic district, enjoying the music and the sun-splashed day.
Hans Wakeman, 45, of Atlanta, attended with his wife and three children, ages 10 to 15. He said the incident didn't alter his visit or deter him from returning some day.
"In New Orleans, you always expect a little rowdiness," he said. "We'll be back. There's no place like it for the music."
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