Family of garda shot in New Orleans depart for US
The wife and mother of an Irish garda shot by an armed robber while on holiday in the US are on their way to his hospital bedside.
Brian Hanrahan, 30, originally from Killenaule, Co Tipperary, but stationed at Newcastle West Garda station, Co Limerick, was shot in the lower back and in one of his legs, during the course of a botched attempted mugging.
Mr Hanrahan is in a
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He told police he was robbed at 5.40am after withdrawing money from an ATM.
Judge James McKay, an Irish honorary consul in the city, said Mr Hanrahan arrived in New Orleans with his father, who lives in Missouri. His wife and mother are expected to arrive in New Orleans today.
He is the latest victim of a string of shootings that have put New Orleans on edge as it gets ready to kick off carnival festivities.
Police say they are battling with a depleted force and an increase in violent crime.
“The city is not safe,” said Tamara Jackson, executive director of Silence Is Violence, a community group that works with the families of shooting victims.
She said that action needing to be taken included stemming the flow of weapons on to the streets and beefing up the size of the police force.
“We have too many young people who can get access to semi-automatic rifles, AK-47s,” she said.
About one million visitors are expected to come to New Orleans during the carnival period, which ends on February 17 with the celebration of Fat Tuesday, known in the city as Mardi Gras.
