Tourism officials in New Orleans have come together to calm fears following the weekend’s Bourbon Street gunfight which injured nine, including several tourists.
Stephen Perry, president of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, joined with Mark Romig, at the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, to issue a statement.
"Tragedies of violence are impacting cities across our country and while this is a crucial, challenging issue for our community, we are encouraged by initiatives of Mayor Mitch Landrieu and his administration have given it," the statement said.
Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas said the incident was caused by two "cowardly" men spraying bullets across the street at each other.
"This is a heinous crime, this is two young men, both armed with firearms, who chose to settle a dispute between themselves without a moment’s care for anyone else," Serpas said.
Serpas said more officer patrols were already planned for the French Quarter this coming weekend, for the popular Essence Festival and Fourth of July holiday.
Two of the nine shooting victims are in a critical condition and police confirmed some were from outside of the city visiting the French Quarter.
Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne said that any serious crime that impacts tourists is a cause of concern, but doesn’t believe it will deter tourists from visiting.
