Two males were shot, according to a sheriff’s office spokesman.(WAFB)
By WAFB Staff
Louisiana High School Football ShootingLouisiana High School Football Shooting: A Tragic Night That Shook a Community
What Happened at the Louisiana High School Football Shooting?
A Louisiana high school football shooting on Friday night, September 1, 2023, claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy and injured a 28-year-old man. The shooting occurred at Port Allen High School near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, during halftime of a game against Brusly High School .
According to the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. at the stadium. Multiple gunshots were heard and people ran for cover. The game was called off and the stadium was cleared .
The victims were airlifted and taken by ambulance to hospitals. The 15-year-old boy, whose name has not been released, died at the hospital. The 28-year-old man, who was not identified, was in stable condition with unknown injuries .
The motive and the suspects of the Louisiana high school football shooting are still under investigation. No arrests have been made as of Saturday morning. The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers .
How Did the Community React to the Louisiana High School Football Shooting?
The Louisiana high school football shooting has shocked and saddened the community of Port Allen, which is on the western shore of the Mississippi River across from Baton Rouge. The mayor of Port Allen, Richard Lee III, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and urged the public to cooperate with the authorities.
The superintendent of West Baton Rouge Parish Schools, Wes Watts, also issued a statement on Saturday, saying that the district is “heartbroken” by the incident and that counselors will be available for students and staff on Monday.
Some parents and students who attended or planned to attend the game also shared their feelings and experiences on social media. Some said they were scared and traumatized by the shooting, while others said they were grateful to be alive and safe. Some also expressed their anger and frustration over the senseless violence that disrupted their fun and peaceful night.
What Did the Leaders Say About the Louisiana High School Football Shooting?
The Louisiana high school football shooting has also sparked outrage and calls for action from local and national leaders. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards condemned the violence and offered his prayers and support to the victims and their families. He also urged anyone with information to come forward and help the authorities bring the perpetrators to justice.
U.S. Representative Troy Carter, who represents Louisiana’s 2nd congressional district, which includes Port Allen, also expressed his grief and anger over the shooting. He said that he was “sickened” by the senseless loss of life and that he would work with his colleagues in Congress to pass legislation to prevent gun violence. He also called for more investment in education, mental health, and community programs to address the root causes of violence.
Other leaders from different political parties, religious groups, civil rights organizations, and advocacy groups also issued statements or tweets condemning the shooting and calling for action. Some of them also demanded stricter gun control laws, such as universal background checks, assault weapons ban, red flag laws, and safe storage requirements.
How Secure Are High School Sporting Events in Louisiana?
The Louisiana high school football shooting has also raised questions about the security measures at high school sporting events. According to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), each school is responsible for providing adequate security at its home games. The LHSAA also recommends that schools coordinate with local law enforcement agencies and follow their guidelines for crowd control and emergency response.
However, some parents and students have expressed concerns that the security protocols are not enough to prevent such incidents from happening again. They have suggested that metal detectors, bag checks, security cameras, and more police officers should be implemented at high school sporting events. They have also asked for more awareness and education on how to prevent and respond to active shooter situations.
On the other hand, some officials and experts have argued that adding more security measures may not be effective or feasible. They have pointed out that metal detectors are expensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors. They have also said that bag checks may violate privacy rights and create long lines. They have also warned that security cameras may not deter or capture criminals who wear masks or hide their weapons. They have also cautioned that more police officers may create a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for some students or fans.
How Common Are Shootings at or Near High School or College Sporting Events in the U.S.?
The Louisiana high school football shooting is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have occurred at or near high school or college sporting events in the U.S. in recent years. According to a report by Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun violence prevention group, there have been at least 52 shootings at or near high school or college sporting events since 2013. The report also found that most of these shootings were motivated by interpersonal conflicts or gang-related disputes.
The report recommended several measures to prevent such shootings, such as implementing comprehensive background checks, prohibiting domestic abusers and people convicted of violent crimes from possessing guns, and enacting extreme risk protection orders that allow courts to temporarily remove guns from people who pose a danger to themselves or others.
The report also suggested that schools and communities should adopt a holistic approach to address the underlying factors that contribute to gun violence, such as poverty, inequality, racism, mental health, substance abuse, and trauma. The report also urged schools and communities to promote a culture of respect, tolerance, and nonviolence among students and fans.
