Mayor-President Sid Edwards addressed the public on April 24 during a news conference at Baton Rouge Police headquarters, following the fatal shooting at the Mall of Louisiana that took place on April 23. The event was attended by Governor Jeff Landry, State Senator Rick Edmonds, law enforcement officials, and representatives from multiple agencies.
The statement from Edwards focused on both the tragedy and the community’s response. He opened with a quote shared by victim Martha Odom: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Edwards said these words should unite the community after what he described as “a senseless act of violence that resulted in the loss of a precious 17-year old and the wounding of several others.”
Edwards praised first responders for their actions during and after the incident. “Our Baton Rouge Police officers and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s officers ran into gunfire and risked their lives in the process of saving countless others,” he said. He noted that within minutes, local, state, and federal law enforcement secured the scene at the mall and began identifying suspects using security footage. According to Edwards’ statement, multiple suspects were identified, apprehended, and brought in for questioning within hours.
The mayor-president also discussed support efforts for victims’ families through mental health services coordinated by Capital Area Human Services. He reassured citizens about ongoing safety measures at the mall: “We cannot let this incident take away from one of the most valuable assets of our community, and we will do what is necessary to protect it.” Edwards referenced recent steps taken to strengthen law enforcement staffing through pay raises approved by Metro Council.
Looking ahead, Edwards emphasized investment in community programs aimed at reducing violence among youth through education and workforce training. Concluding his remarks with a strong warning against criminal activity in Baton Rouge, he said: “If you are engaged in gang or any other kind of criminal activity… We will find you. We will arrest you. And we will lock you up.” He added that state and federal partners have been asked to help eradicate gangs from Baton Rouge.