Dozens rallied outside City Hall this afternoon for peace in New Orleans, and an end to the ongoing violent crime surge. The rally was organized principally as a response to the Costco Carjacking, and other recent high profile violent incidents.
During the rally City Council President Helena Moreno fired a few shots at Mayor Latoya Cantrell over the administration’s handling of juvenile justice. Moreno pointed to the arrest of an 18-year-old in connection with the Costco Carjacking and the murder of a 12-year-old. She said that young man had been in the juvenile justice system, clearly was troubled, and the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families failed to intervene.
“Part of those failures, I’m going to be honest with you, has to do with part of the Mayor’s office,” said Moreno.
Moreno implored the public to continue pressuring the administration for criminal justice improvements, and support a recent eight-point plan released by some councilmembers that addresses the violent crime surge.
“If there is not swift and strong justice when it comes to those perpetrators who are hurting and murdering the people of this city, if that does not happen then this will never end,” said Moreno.
WWL Radio's Scoot was there, broadcasting live and talking to some of the rally participants.
