I had a comment today on a post I wrote in January, telling me about recent shootings on the Point – including the officer that was shot today on Opelousas.
A 25-year-old New Orleans police officer was undergoing surgery at Charity’s Trauma Center after being shot at least twice during a traffic stop in Algiers, Police Superintendent Warren Riley said.
I don’t know what to say. There have been quite a few violent incidents in the last couple of months in Algiers, and every time — every time — the story jumps up out of the monitor and smacks me…. but this one hits me on so many levels, I don’t know where to begin.
It’s been a very long time since I’ve tried to reach out directly to Algiers, or the Point. I have no idea, unfortunately, how many still visit Polimom… but I’m missing them right now.
Polimom needs to talk to you, Algiers. Just for a minute, before the daily pressures and events come back tomorrow for everyone, and this quiet moment is lost.
I’m sorry, Algiers. I’m so very sad things are dangerous again. I’m horrified and appalled that an officer is in surgery tonight, and my heart goes out to him and his family. And I’m devastated that the cycle seems to be starting back up — that painful, relentless and paralyzing pattern of violent crime.
I desperately want the City to be safe — a place in which children can grow up, people can go about their business, and neighbors can walk their streets.
But of course, Polimom cares directly and personally about Algiers…. so if you’re still out there, I just want you to know: I’m thinking of y’all tonight.