It happened right when people were just trying to enjoy a Friday night in the 6th Ward. Around 8:00 p.m. on January 16, 2026, the peaceful atmosphere at the iconic Dooky Chase Restaurant on Orleans Avenue was shattered. A 19-year-old man, whose identity is still being processed by the coroner, was running for his life. He wasn't just running; he was being hunted.
He burst through the North Miro Street door, desperate for cover. The gunman, hidden under a black hoodie, didn't hesitate. He followed him right into the foyer.
Honestly, it’s the kind of thing you never expect at a place as legendary as Dooky Chase. This isn't just a restaurant; it’s a landmark of New Orleans culture and civil rights history. But last night, it became a crime scene.
Breaking Down the New Orleans Attack Last Night
The details are still coming in, but here is what we know for sure. The shooter opened fire inside the restaurant's entryway. The 19-year-old target collapsed right there and was pronounced dead on the scene. It's a heavy blow for the neighborhood, especially since NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick mentioned the young man lived nearby.
But the tragedy didn't stop with the intended target.
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Three innocent bystanders—people who were literally just waiting for a table or an Uber—got caught in the crossfire. Mayor Helena Moreno, who was only just inaugurated this week, was on the scene quickly. She clarified that the restaurant itself wasn't the target. It was a "very targeted event" against the one individual, but that’s cold comfort for the visitors who are now in the hospital.
The Victims and the Chaos
Of the three bystanders hit:
- Two are in critical condition.
- One is listed as stable.
- All three were reportedly out-of-town visitors.
Imagine coming to New Orleans to experience the food and the soul of the city, only to end up in a trauma unit because you were standing in a foyer at the wrong time. It’s devastating.
Superintendent Kirkpatrick pointed out something kinda chilling about the shooter’s behavior. After the initial gunfire, the perpetrator fled, then actually turned around and came back before finally disappearing. Police think this hesitation might mean he’s also from the area.
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Safety and Security in the 6th Ward
This New Orleans attack last night is sparking a lot of conversation about security at our most famous spots. Dooky Chase has seen it all over the decades, but a targeted hit in the foyer is a different level of brazen.
The NOPD is currently scouring Ring camera footage from the surrounding houses on North Miro Street and Orleans Avenue. They are looking for that black hoodie. If you live in the First District or the 6th Ward, check your feeds. Even a small detail about the direction he ran could be the break they need.
The Bigger Picture of NOLA Crime
Interestingly, this happens right as local outlets like The Maroon reported that violent crime in New Orleans had actually been dropping for three years straight. But for the people inside that foyer last night, those statistics don't mean much.
There's also the backdrop of the massive "New Year’s Day attack" from 2025 that the city is still healing from. That was a completely different beast—a terrorist act on Bourbon Street. Last night’s shooting was different; it was personal, targeted, and localized, but it still leaves the same scar on the city’s sense of safety.
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What to Do if You Were There
If you were one of the patrons inside when the shots rang out, you've probably already talked to the cops. But if not, the Homicide Section is at 504-658-5300.
You can also go the anonymous route. Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans (504-822-1111) is usually the best way to get info to the right people without getting your name in a folder.
Moving Forward
New Orleans is a resilient place. We’ve seen the city bounce back from far worse, but this hit on Dooky Chase feels like a gut punch because of the venue's history. For now, the area around 2301 Orleans Avenue is still being processed.
Next Steps for Residents and Visitors:
- Avoid the 2300 block of Orleans Avenue for the next 24 hours while investigators finish their work.
- Check your home security cameras if you live within a four-block radius of Dooky Chase, specifically looking for anyone in a black hoodie between 7:50 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. on Friday night.
- Support the local staff. When the restaurant reopens, the staff will likely be shaken. A little extra patience and kindness goes a long way.
- Stay informed through official NOPD News channels rather than neighborhood rumors, as the identity of the deceased will be released only after the family is notified.
The reality of the New Orleans attack last night is a reminder that even our most "sacred" local spaces aren't immune to the city's ongoing struggle with gun violence. Stay safe out there.