NEW ORLEANS — A week after three children died in a house fire allegedly set by their father, New Orleans is still grieving. That includes Mayor Latoya Cantrell.
“It’s unimaginable. It’s unimaginable as a mother myself, a loss of three children. It’s something again my heart just goes out,” Cantrell said.
In her weekly press briefing Wednesday, Mayor Cantrell said domestic violence is a matter of public health, she says it’s a priority.
“Often children, our children are dragged into these disputes. This is something we witnessed. Our families witnessed. Our community witnessed the tragedy that happened last week on America Street,” Cantrell said.
While New Orleans City council members agree about its importance, they say the city isn’t acting like domestic violence is a priority. Not long after the fire, the city council held a domestic violence presentation. Council Vice President Helena Moreno expressed frustration with New Orleans’ response to the issue.
“How long, how long are we going to just say that’s just domestic violence? It’s just being exaggerated. It’s not worth sending someone right now. People are being killed,” Moreno said last week, during the presentation.
911 records show it took NOPD 20 minutes after they were dispatched for a domestic disturbance, to show up to America Street.
“Our platoon responded as necessary and on time,” Cantrell said.
Wednesday, Cantrell said residents shouldn’t hesitate to call 911 in an emergency.
“They continue to call 911 if there is an emergency and the city of New Orleans will continue to respond as we’ve demonstrated with all efforts,” she said.
Investigations into the homicide are still ongoing.
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