New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is asking for the community to unite in prayer after more than a dozen people were shot, two fatally, at a second line in the St. Roch neighborhood Sunday, WWL-TV reports.
Cantrell, in Rio de Janeiro for the Urban 20 Mayors' Climate Summit, released the following:
The City of New Orleans continues to call on the community to unite in prayer for all the victims of Sunday’s tragic shooting.
"Prayer and community unity is our strongest force multiplier against senseless acts of violence," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "We must remain vigilant in our support of the New Orleans Police Department and our law enforcement partners who are working tirelessly to bring those responsible for this horrific act to justice."
Mayor Cantrell would like to extend her gratitude to all political and community leaders who have offered their support regarding this incident.
Second lines have always been an important part of our city’s cultural fabric, celebrated in many ways across New Orleans. Now is the time for us to stand together as community leaders, second line organizations, and citizens to make it clear that violence has no place in what should be a peaceful and joyful celebration of our community. As a city, we must commit to treating one another with respect and dignity, building upon the cultural legacy that makes New Orleans a truly unique place.
In the days ahead, the pathway forward is to continue to improve New Orleans and remain committed to working stronger together.
