The fatal shooting of 19-year-old Kareem Harris inside the historic Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans has sent shockwaves through the city and beyond, casting a shadow over one of Treme’s most cherished cultural landmarks. What began as an ordinary Friday evening at the famed eatery ended in tragedy when a gunman chased Harris into the restaurant’s foyer and opened fire, killing him and wounding three innocent bystanders.
Authorities have emphasized that the attack was targeted at Harris and not at the restaurant itself, yet the violence unfolded in a space long regarded as a symbol of Black history, resilience, and community. As investigators search for the suspect, the incident has reignited conversations about public safety, youth violence, and the impact of targeted crimes on bystanders and institutions that serve as communal gathering places.
Harris, a 2024 graduate of Livingston College Academy, was described by family members as a young man with his life ahead of him. His death at such a young age has intensified the sense of loss felt by relatives, friends, and classmates, while the injuries sustained by visiting tourists have underscored how acts of violence reverberate far beyond their intended targets. Dooky Chase’s, which has operated for 85 years without a similar incident, closed its doors in the aftermath as the city grappled with the reality that even its most storied spaces are not immune to sudden tragedy.
The Shooting Inside a Historic New Orleans Landmark
According to the New Orleans Police Department, officers were called to Dooky Chase’s Restaurant at 2301 Orleans Avenue at approximately 8:01 p.m. on Friday, January 16, following reports of gunfire. When police arrived, they found four people had been shot inside the restaurant’s foyer area. Kareem Harris, 19, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three women, all visitors to New Orleans, were transported to a local hospital, where two were listed in critical condition and one in stable condition.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack. Harris was reportedly being chased by the gunman and ran into the restaurant seeking safety. The shooter followed him inside and continued firing, striking Harris and hitting three bystanders who had no connection to the dispute. The violence unfolded quickly, leaving patrons and staff stunned as shots rang out in a space typically associated with celebration, hospitality, and history.
Police said the shooter fled the scene, returned briefly, and then left again. Surveillance video captured portions of the incident, and authorities described the suspect as a Black male wearing a black hoodie. As of the latest update, the suspect remains at large. Investigators are reviewing video footage, gathering physical evidence, and seeking witness accounts to piece together the sequence of events and establish a motive.
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Mayor Helena Moreno addressed the incident by stressing that Dooky Chase’s Restaurant was not the target of the attack. She noted that the restaurant has operated for decades without experiencing anything comparable, highlighting its longstanding reputation as a safe and welcoming space. Her remarks echoed those of law enforcement, who emphasized that the Chase family and the establishment itself were not involved in the events that led to the shooting.
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The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office is responsible for officially identifying the deceased and determining the cause of death following an autopsy and notification of family. In the meantime, Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans announced it was offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter, doubling its typical amount in hopes of generating tips from the public.
Remembering Kareem Harris and the Impact on Innocent Bystanders
Family members identified the victim as Kareem Harris, a teenager who had graduated from Livingston College Academy in 2024. While details about the circumstances that led to him being targeted have not been publicly disclosed, relatives and community members have focused on the tragedy of a life cut short. Harris’s death has resonated deeply in New Orleans, where youth violence remains a pressing concern and where each loss reverberates through neighborhoods, schools, and families.
The three women injured in the shooting were described by police as innocent bystanders and visitors to the city. Their presence inside the foyer at the moment the gunman opened fire illustrates the indiscriminate danger posed by targeted violence in public spaces. Two of the women were listed in critical condition, underscoring the severity of the injuries, while the third was reported to be stable. Their identities have not been released, but their status as tourists has drawn attention to how violence can affect visitors who come to New Orleans for its culture, food, and history.
In the days following the shooting, tourists who had reservations at Dooky Chase’s arrived to find the restaurant closed. Many expressed shock and sadness upon learning what had happened. Brenda Gaigler, visiting from Florida, said she was devastated by the news and struggled to believe that such violence could occur in a place so revered. Others, like Brenda and Kenneth from Maryland, had planned to celebrate significant personal milestones, including a 58th wedding anniversary, with a special dinner at the restaurant.
Their disappointment was tempered by sympathy for Harris’s family and the injured victims. Visitors from across the country voiced similar sentiments, emphasizing that their thoughts were with those directly affected and expressing hope that the restaurant would reopen when ready. The presence of out-of-town guests among the injured and among those reacting to the closure has highlighted the broader ripple effects of the shooting, extending the sense of loss beyond local boundaries.
Crimestoppers has urged anyone with information to come forward, noting that tips can be provided anonymously by phone or online. Law enforcement officials have reiterated that even small details could prove critical in identifying the suspect and bringing a measure of justice to Harris’s family and to those injured.
Dooky Chase’s Legacy and the Community’s Response
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant occupies a unique place in New Orleans history. Founded 85 years ago, it has long been more than a dining establishment. It served as a meeting place for civil rights leaders during the 1960s and became internationally known under the leadership of the late Leah Chase, whose influence on Creole cuisine and Black cultural life earned widespread acclaim. For generations, the restaurant has symbolized resilience, community, and excellence.
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The shooting inside its walls has therefore carried a symbolic weight that extends beyond the immediate facts of the case. City leaders, residents, and visitors alike have expressed sorrow that violence intruded upon a space so deeply associated with heritage and unity. At the same time, officials have been careful to emphasize that the restaurant itself was not involved and was not targeted, seeking to protect its legacy from being overshadowed by a crime that unfolded there.
The Chase family released a statement thanking the community for its outpouring of support and offering prayers to everyone impacted by what they described as a random and tragic incident. Their words reflected both grief and gratitude, acknowledging the pain while recognizing the solidarity shown by New Orleans residents and admirers of the restaurant from afar. The restaurant remained closed on Saturday following the shooting, a pause that allowed staff and family members to process the event and cooperate with investigators.
Many in the community have expressed a desire to return once it reopens, not only to enjoy the food but also to show support for an institution that has long been woven into the city’s cultural fabric. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on identifying the shooter and determining a motive. Police have reiterated that targeted acts of violence pose particular challenges, as they often stem from personal disputes that erupt in public settings.
In this case, the consequences extended far beyond the intended victim, leaving multiple people injured and a community grappling with grief. The death of Kareem Harris has become a focal point for renewed discussions about violence involving young people, the availability of firearms, and the need for effective intervention strategies. While those broader debates continue, the immediate priority for law enforcement remains the apprehension of the suspect and the pursuit of accountability.
For now, Dooky Chase’s stands as a reminder of both the fragility and the resilience of communal spaces. The tragedy that unfolded in its foyer has left an indelible mark on those who were present and on those who hold the restaurant dear. As New Orleans mourns a young life lost and prays for the recovery of the injured, the city also reaffirms its commitment to preserving the institutions and values that define it, even in the face of sudden and devastating violence.