NEW ORLEANS — During her weekly press conference from City Hall, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell addressed the tragic death of three children killed in a house fire that was allegedly started shortly after their father threatened to do so.
"Violence in our families, in our communities throughout our city, as the people have told us, it really is a matter of public health," Cantrell began. "Meaning public safety is a matter of public health. Domestic violence, as we know, is more than just violence between intimate partners. Often children are dragged into these disputes and this is something we witnessed with the tragedy that happened on America Street.
"My heart just continues to ache for the mother, for the families," she continued. "I stay in constant communication with the family, making sure the City of New Orleans demonstrates our love and support, not just in word, but in deed."
As mother herself, the mayor said the incident was "unimaginable."
When asked about response times following the 911 call to the fire, Cantrell said the officers responded as necessary, and on time.
The mayor addressed the investigation started by new NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick into the response timeline at the scene.
"If there was anything done wrong, we will make sure individuals are held accountable," Cantrell said. "But the first step is investigating, and if there is something found we will handle it as we see and deem necessary. Right now, it's just a matter of the facts. Combing through to get the facts – not pointing the finger.
"But the bottom line is, the finger is pointed at the individual who unfortunately took the lives of his own children."
The mayor further stated that violent crime has always and will be the priority and that domestic violence is a part of that focus.
Cantrell urged any victims of domestic violence to call +1 (504) 658-5523, or the NOPD's 24/7 domestic violence hotline at +1 (504) 866-9554.
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