At a Friday afternoon press conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell made comments were sparked controversy with the family of a murder victim.
“As it relates to the violent incidents I would say in the past 24 hours in the city relative to women, what I will say is none of these acts are random at all. And what we have to understand is women also play a role in violent activity in our city. And so, they will remain under active investigation. Unfortunately, people are involved in criminal activity in our city and it plays out on the streets of New Orleans and it is all genders, right? And we’re seeing that.”
The family of murder victim Asia Davis told WWL-TV they were hurt by the Mayor’s comments, continuing they said the comments weren’t warranted and they are shocked the Mayor, being a woman, would say that about other women. They also went on to say Mayor Cantrell is not supporting other women who lost their lives at the hands of others. They went on to remark the Mayor was very inconsiderate especially given the fact the murders occurred less than a full day from her statement.