NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a statement on the loss of Darriel King on Tuesday.
King, a security guard working the front door at Wit’s Inn, was shot and killed when he tried to prevent a man from entering.
According to the bar spokesman, “You have to be over 30 to get into our establishment. The security guard not only saw that he was too young, but that he was extremely intoxicated, and he was armed. So, that security guard decided obviously not to let him in.”
Cantrell said the following in a statement:
The incident at Wit’s Inn was an absolute tragedy, and the whole community mourns the loss of Mr. King. I wholeheartedly believe that he was a hero that night and his heroic actions saved lives. No one should have to lose their life simply for doing their job. Please join me in praying for the King family.
The unfortunate truth is that there continues to be bad actors who refuse to deal with conflict without resorting to violence. Last month, the City initiated a collaborative inspection at the Wit's Inn led by NOPD, NOFD, Safety & Permits, the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Health Department, and Law Department representatives. At that time there were no documented violations that warranted pursuing enforcement actions and there were no basis in law to justify any further actions. The owner of the Wit’s Inn has made every effort to keep his staff and patrons safe.
This event has citizens concerned and I strongly share their concerns about the Permitless Concealed Carry Law. This poses a threat to our brave and committed law enforcement community and the entire city. As a community we have to stand up and strongly speak out for heroes like Darriel King, his life matters. We must also recognize the business owners in the Carrollton area who are striving every day to do the right thing in the City of New Orleans.
Police continue to search for the suspect, who drove away in a white Kia Soul.
NOPD has not released any additional details about the murder suspect.
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