NEW ORLEANS — The new year begins with good news: Murders in New Orleans fell 25 percent last year, to a total of 193.
That’s great news, considering New Orleans led the nation in murders per capita the year before. But, 193 murders are still way too many.
Murders declined all across America last year, but New Orleans’ decline was twice the national rate.
Still, not everybody was safer last year.
The number of young New Orleanians murdered last year increased, from 22 to 27. Worse, police say four of them were killed by their fathers.
That’s sobering news.
So, as we begin 2024, let’s congratulate the police and others who work hard to reduce violence, but let’s also work harder to protect our young people.
Clancy DuBos is a WWL Louisiana Political Analyst and Gambit columnist.