New Orleans police seek two suspects in Garda shooting

Police in New Orleans are seeking two unidentified African-American males whom they suspect were involved in the shooting and armed robbery of a Garda while he was on holidays in Louisiana.

Brian Hanrahan (30), from Killenaule, Co Tipperary and based at Newcastle West Garda station in Co Limerick, was shot twice and robbed on Tuesday morning on a visit to New Orleans.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A spokeswoman for ILH-Interim LSU Hospital where Mr Hanrahan is being treated said his condition was “fair”.

New Orleans Police Department said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 5.20am on New Orleans Street in the Seventh Ward, not far from the French Quarter, a popular tourist area.

Police released surveillance video footage of the two suspects described as “persons of interest”.

Mr Hanrahan told police he met an unknown male on Bourbon Street, which runs through the French Quarter, and asked him if he “knew of an other places to party in the area”.

The suspect told the Irishman to follow him. Mr Hanrahan stopped at an ATM and withdrew $200 (€177) before walking on with him.

Once the two men arrived on New Orleans Street, another unknown black male approached Mr Hanrahan and demanded his money. After he refused, the suspect produced a gun and shot him once in the chest and once in the leg. The two men then went through his pockets and removed the $200 before fleeing on foot.

According to police, Mr Hanrahan said that he did not get an accurate description of the second suspect whom he believes shot him.

The first man was described as being aged between 35 and 40 years old and wearing a black hooded shirt, grey pants and possibly wearing white shoes.