Authorities told The Associated Press that 16 people were taken to nearby hospitals after they were either hit directly or grazed by bullets. All the victims are in stable condition, a New Orleans police spokesman said.
WWL reported that a crowd of about 500 people gathered at the playground for a block party and to film a music video when shots rang out (video via NOLA Media Group). Another TV station, WGNO, said the event was unpermitted and that police were already headed to the park to break it up.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, the shooting may be gang-related. An investigation is ongoing.
"At the end of the day, it's really hard to police against a bunch of guys who decide to pull out guns and settle their disputes with 300 people in between them," said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "That's just not something you can tolerate in the city."
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