NEW ORLEANS (AP) — An outbreak of violence has shocked New Orleans, with 17 people shot in an 18-hour period.
In all, 12 people have been murdered in the first 12 days of the year. At least two dozen, including a 12-year-old girl, have been wounded.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu calls it "a battle for the heart and soul of New Orleans."
It includes a gunman who opened fire inside a house Thursday, shooting five people. Three died. Police chased down a trio of suspects and returned fire, killing one and wounding two.
Later that night, police headquarters was evacuated when a pair of grenades was found in a car trunk. They were duds.
Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas says the shootings involving police may have been sparked by more aggressive tactics against known criminals.
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