BOGALUSA, La. (WGNO) —A fatal double shooting happened Thursday, Jan. 11, outside the Bogalusa High School gym, filled with students and families watching the home team take on Covington High School.
Two students were hit. One was a 14-year-old, who was killed and a 12-year-old, who survived. Residents said their hearts go out to the families involved.
“I have deep sympathy for them, I know they are heartbroken and really torn up to hear that. I feel sadly all young folks live are behind the guns,” said a Bogalusa resident.
The superintendent of schools and Mayor Tyrin Truong said moving forward, all games will be played off-campus, at a neutral site.
Truong added that this is yet another regrettable example of the need for police reform.
“We have to have our officers out on the streets, out patrolling, out at events moving around the crowd. So that we are able to let the community know that we are here. We hear your concerns about crime, about gun violence, and we are addressing them,” said Truong.
Truong said he will call a series of special city council meetings from Jan. 15 to 19 at 5:30 p.m. The goal is to discuss ways to stop the city’s gun violence.
Truong emphasized that the council will need to put its money where its mouth is.
“We need more resources for these teenagers in town. We have to put more backing behind prevention. So that we are not just being reactive, we have to be proactive. So hopefully we can come up with some solutions,” said Truong.
As neighbors come to grips with this tragedy, they said if they’re ever going to get to the root cause of youth violence, they need to start by listening to them.
“More counseling and talking to them and listening to them. Not talk at them but to the young folks and try to understand them. We are not understanding, we are not talking to them, we are talking at,” said a Bogalusa resident.
Truong plans to work with the Bogalusa Police Department and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office to assign more officers to school events.
“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this devastating loss. Our top priorities are the well-being and safety of our students and spectators, and we are working closely with local authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Bogalusa City School Officials
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends affected by the tragic incident outside the basketball game tonight at BHS. We are working closely with law enforcement to investigate the circumstances. Our community stands together in grief, and we will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our residents at public events. If you or someone you know is in need of counseling, please see the high school guidance counselor or call Debra Young, Director for Children & Family Success at City Hall (985)-732-6200.
Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Z. Truong
Anyone with further information on the fatal shooting can call the BPD at (985)-732-2611.
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