2 shot in New Orleans’ Central Business District; suspect killed by police

A gunman shot two people in New Orleans’ Central Business District before being killed by police, according to officials. The two victims are hospitalized in critical condition.

New Orleans police received a 911 call about 2:45 p.m. Thursday reporting that three people had been shot in the 1400 block of Tulane Avenue, near Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said at a briefing.

Kirkpatrick said video shows the suspect first attacking a person who was walking down the street, pushing him into bushes and struggling with him before opening fire. The gunman then stood up and shot that victim.

The suspect then encountered another man, believed to be a Tulane maintenance worker who was walking down the street with a garbage can, and shot him as well.

After the shootings, the gunman ran across the street and was confronted by a Tulane police officer. Kirkpatrick said the officer opened fire and the gunman died at the scene. A gun was recovered on the sidewalk.

Both victims are in critical condition. Officials have not released the identities of the victims or the suspect, and no motive has been disclosed.

Tulane University Police Chief Frank Young said the officer who fired her weapon is cooperating with the investigation being led by New Orleans police.