(Photo: AP Images / Eric Gay)Thousands of people take part in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day march in San Antonio, Monday, Jan. 17, 2011 in San Antonio.Five people have been wounded after gunfire broke out following a Martin Luther King Day parade in New Orleans on Monday.
The shooting occurred only an hour after the parade had passed. Surveillance later revealed that a white car drove up to where a group of teens were standing. A person inside the car opened fire before pulling away.
Police spokeswoman Remi Braden said the victims were all 17 or 18, according to the Clarion Ledger. None of the victims appeared to be suffering from life threatening injuries. Police pointed out that it was disheartening for such a shooting to occur on a day that was meant to celebrate and honor a civil rights leader who advocated non-violence.
"So many young men in America are angry and bitter and here in New Orleans is no exception," police chief Ronal Serpas told reporters at the scene. "And they use violence as a way to settle disputes as opposed to peace. So, anytime we have an act of violence like this on Martin Luther King day it's really a bit more sad."
Other members in the community said the shooting reflected back poorly on the area.
"I just think that's so sad for them to be doing that, shooting and killing on Martin Luther King Day," Tanile Legendre told WWL TV. "It's embarrassing to the community."
The suspect in the shooting has been apprehended, according to The Clarion. The suspect was charged with aggravated assault according to police. The Associated Press reported that a second shooting had occurred days before in Jackson, during another Martin Luther King parade.
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