Shootings, Stabbings Have Some People Rethinking Whether to Party in Downtown Shreveport
A Violent Weekend in Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, La. — Over the past weekend, downtown Shreveport witnessed a surge in violence during which local police were called to deal with four shootings and a stabbing in just 36 hours. One might overhear, “Did you hear what happened last night, girl?” echoing on the sidewalks the next morning. This unsettling series of events have left six people injured and locals worried for their safety.
“I like to chill. If I used to go out, because I don’t go out anymore, and that’s the reason why I don’t go out: because of the shooting, the violence, and fighting,” a local woman conveyed her fear and frustration.
Urgent Need for Control
Despite the local government’s ambitious plans to revitalize the once lively nightlife in downtown Shreveport, some locals believe that the city will first need to regain control.
“We don’t have control right now,” a local resident claimed, recounting the harrowing incident when a man was innocently watching a concert in Festival Plaza and was hit in the leg by a stray bullet while fleeing from an unidentified shooter. After receiving care, he is expected to recover fully.
A Threat to the Spirit of the City
“It’s very disappointing because I would love to be a part of a city where you can go and enjoy the festivities that they have. But being concerned with getting shot at, at one of those things is not something we’re really interested in,” a distressed citizen confessed.
Monday morning exacerbated the growing concern as police reports mentioned another altercation atop a parking garage in downtown Shreveport, where two people were stabbed. The victims, who reportedly got into a fight which led to the stabbing, are both expected to survive.
Bleak Outlook
“Crime in Shreveport, you know, is high,” the blunt statement of another resident succinctly points out the growing issue that the city is facing.
In addition to these incidents, there were three other reported shootings causing injuries over the same weekend, amplifying the urgency of the situation. As of now, the city seems to hold its breath as it waits to see how the authorities will respond to the escalating violence and restore safety.
