In the heart of New Orleans, a tragic story unfolded on a Friday night, forever marking a beloved culinary institution with a somber memory. A 19-year-old African American man, Kareem Harris, found his life cut short in a brazen act of violence that spilled into the entrance of the historic Dooky Chase's Restaurant. Harris, a former employee of the celebrated establishment and a recent graduate of Livingston Collegiate Academy, was remembered by his family as a 'good kid' with a love for making
people laugh.
The evening of January 16, 2026, took a grim turn when a gunman began chasing Harris down Orleans Avenue. In a desperate attempt to escape, Harris ran into the foyer of Dooky Chase's, a place familiar to him. The assailant, described only as a male in a black hoodie, pursued him without hesitation, opening fire in the crowded entranceway. Harris tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The chaos of the targeted attack also ensnared innocent bystanders. Three female tourists, who were waiting for a table, were wounded by the gunfire. Two of the women, visiting from Los Angeles, were critically injured, with one sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. The third woman, a visitor from Florida, was treated for her injuries and released.
In the aftermath, the New Orleans Police Department confirmed that Harris was the intended target of the shooting. While the incident was captured on video, authorities have not yet released the footage to the public. A significant reward has been offered by Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans for any information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible for this senseless act of violence. As of now, the gunman remains at large, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Kareem Harris. The community, shocked by the violence at a cherished landmark, held a balloon release in Harris's memory, releasing green balloons, his favorite color, into the sky.
