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New Orleans Shooting Near Dooky Chase Restaurant

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. rleans-shooting-near-dooky-chase-restaurant.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 15:18 GMT by NOLA.com
      Locales: Louisiana, UNITED STATES

NEW ORLEANS, LA - February 11th, 2026 - A somber mood hangs over New Orleans' historic Treme neighborhood following a fatal shooting that occurred Tuesday night just outside the legendary Dooky Chase Restaurant. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is currently investigating the incident, appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the identification of the perpetrator(s).

The shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. in the 2000 block of Orleans Avenue. Officers responding to reports of gunfire discovered the body of a man on the sidewalk. As of this report, the victim's identity remains withheld pending notification of next of kin.

"We are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the NOPD," stated police spokesman Beau Browning in a brief press release. Witnesses in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots, suggesting a potentially violent and targeted attack. Investigators are currently canvassing the neighborhood, reviewing security footage from nearby businesses, and conducting interviews in an effort to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

The location of the crime is particularly poignant. Dooky Chase Restaurant isn't just a culinary institution, but a cornerstone of New Orleans history and the Civil Rights Movement. Founded in 1941 by Edgar and Leah Chase, the restaurant became a neutral ground for activists, organizers, and leaders during the height of segregation. It was a vital meeting place where strategic planning took place, and a safe haven for those fighting for equality. Leah Chase, known as the "Queen of Creole Cuisine," tirelessly championed racial harmony and used her restaurant as a platform for positive change, even during periods of intense social upheaval.

This shooting is more than just a tragic loss of life; it's a potential affront to the values Dooky Chase represents. The restaurant, while still operational today under the continued stewardship of the Chase family, remains a symbol of resilience and progress. The Treme neighborhood itself, one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the United States, has faced decades of challenges, including systemic poverty and violence. This incident threatens to exacerbate those existing issues.

Local community leaders are expressing outrage and concern. Councilwoman Ramona Davis released a statement earlier today, stating, "This senseless act of violence is a devastating blow to our community. Dooky Chase is a treasured landmark, and to have this happen in its shadow is particularly heartbreaking. We must redouble our efforts to address the root causes of violence and provide support to those most affected."

The NOPD is facing increasing pressure to solve this case quickly and effectively. The city has seen a slight increase in violent crime over the past year, and residents are demanding greater police presence and more proactive crime prevention strategies. The department is utilizing its real-time crime center to analyze data and identify potential suspects, as well as working with federal law enforcement agencies.

The shooting has also sparked a renewed debate about gun violence in New Orleans and the need for comprehensive solutions. Advocates for stricter gun control laws are calling for immediate action, while others emphasize the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors that contribute to crime. The incident highlights the complex challenges facing the city as it strives to balance preserving its rich cultural heritage with ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the NOPD at (504) 658-5500 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The memory of the victim, and the legacy of Dooky Chase, deserve justice.