Chase Ends in BLOODBATH at Iconic Eatery

Blood stains on a surface with police caution tape in the background

A historic New Orleans restaurant beloved by civil rights leaders became a crime scene when a gunman chased his target inside, killing one and wounding three innocent tourists in a brazen act of street violence.

Story Snapshot

19-year-old Kareem Harris was shot dead at iconic Dooky Chase’s Restaurant after fleeing a gunman
Three female tourists were wounded in the crossfire, one critically injured with multiple gunshot wounds
Shooting occurred during MLK weekend at a restaurant visited by presidents and civil rights leaders
Police describe incident as “retaliatory-type shooting” with gunman still at large

Sacred Ground Violated by Street Violence

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant represents more than just exceptional Creole cuisine—it stands as a beacon of American civil rights history. For over 80 years, this Tremé neighborhood landmark has welcomed presidents, including Barack Obama and George W. Bush, alongside civil rights icons like Martin Luther King Jr. The restaurant’s significance as a gathering place for political leaders and musicians made Friday’s violent intrusion particularly devastating for the New Orleans community during MLK weekend celebrations.

The violence erupted just after 8 p.m. on January 16, 2026, when 19-year-old Kareem Harris was chased down the street by an unknown gunman. Harris desperately sought refuge by running into the restaurant’s small foyer, where tourists waited for tables during the evening dinner rush. The gunman followed Harris inside, continuing to fire multiple shots that killed the teenager and wounded three female bystanders.

Tourists Caught in Targeted Attack

The three innocent victims included two friends from Los Angeles and one woman from Lake Worth, Florida, who were simply waiting for tables when violence erupted around them. One Los Angeles victim suffered critical injuries from more than five gunshot wounds, requiring multiple surgeries and an extended hospital stay. Her friend underwent surgery but remained in stable condition, while the Florida woman sustained grazing wounds to her buttocks and was treated and released the same night.

Mass shooting at historic Dooky Chase Restaurant in New Orleans, LA.

An at-large Black male chased Kareem Harris, 19, into the restaurant and killed him. All while wounding three random bystanders in the process. pic.twitter.com/0PSLcR8WDU

— National Conservative (@NatCon2022) January 18, 2026

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the incident as a “retaliatory-type shooting,” suggesting Harris was specifically targeted in what appears to be ongoing street violence. The fact that multiple perpetrators may have been involved demonstrates the brazen nature of criminals willing to pursue their victim into a crowded restaurant, showing complete disregard for innocent lives and community safety.

Community Demands Justice

Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans doubled their reward offer to over $13,500, reflecting the community’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Harris family made their first public statements appealing for information, while the Chase family expressed their commitment to the community and prayers for all affected by this senseless violence. Witnesses, including diners who hid inside during the gunfire, provided accounts that highlight the terror experienced by innocent patrons.

This attack represents a broader failure of urban crime control that conservatives have long warned about. When criminals feel emboldened to pursue victims into historic community institutions, it signals a breakdown in law and order that threatens the fabric of American communities. The fact that tourists from across the country became casualties while visiting a symbol of American civil rights history underscores how unchecked street violence affects everyone, not just those involved in criminal activity.