Target Ran Into Crowd Moments Before New Orleans Shooting: Report

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Authorities are searching for two gunmen who appeared to "fire indiscriminately" at a crowd in New Orleans, killing three and wounding least seven others. It happened Saturday night outside a daiquiri shop.

City Police Chief Michael Harrison said two people "clothed with what we believed to be hoods" approached the crowd from behind in front of the shop and opened fire. Authorities believe they used a rifle and a handgun, Harrison said, according to NBC news.

"We believe they actually stood over one of the individuals and fired multiple rounds and then after that fled," he said.

One of the shooters reportedly stood over one of the victims and fired multiple shots. Two men and a woman reportedly died at the scene.

The Times-Picayune reported that two bodies were in front of the Chicken & Watermelon restaurant.

Harrison called the attack "personal."

"Firing indiscriminately into a crowd? Shooting 10 people? Killing three? That's personal, it doesn't get more personal and we take it personal, whoever did this, you should know that the law enforcement takes it personal and we’re coming for you."

The injured include five men and two women. Their injuries ranged in severity with some "more critical than others," New Orleans EMS Director Dr. Emily Nichols told the Times-Picayune.

The New Orleans Advocate reported, citing the owner of the business, that the man targeted in the shooting had been sprinting across Louisiana Avenue and went into a large crowd before falling in front of the shop.

“He ran into a crowd of people,” said owner Skipper Nicholas. “I think he probably thought, ‘If I run by the people, they won’t shoot me.’ He just got everybody shot.”

Nicholas told the newspaper he watched video footage of the shooting. The newspaper, citing multiple law enforcement sources, said the victim was affiliated with the 3NG street gang out of Central City.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement there's "no place in New Orleans for this kind of violence."

"I speak for everyone in our City when I say we are disgusted, we are infuriated, and we have had more than enough," said Cantrell.

"Three more lives — gone. It has to end. It's unacceptable anywhere."

Photo credit: Matthew Hinton/The Advocate via AP