Shreveport, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport faced a heartbreaking incident during an unofficial gathering for National Night Out when an 18-year-old male was shot dead at AB Palmer Park. With the shooting marking the 34th homicide of the year, local authorities express their sadness and the urgent need for improved law enforcement support. Despite the violence, the official National Night Out event is scheduled for the following week, emphasizing community safety and partnership with law enforcement.
Shreveport has seen a tragic incident mar the spirit of National Night Out, an annual event aimed at fostering community connections and crime prevention. On the evening of October 7, 2025, an 18-year-old male was shot dead at AB Palmer Park during what was described as an unofficial gathering for National Night Out. The shooting occurred around 7:19 p.m., amid crowds who had gathered to celebrate community safety and law enforcement.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux confirmed that the gathering at AB Palmer Park was not an officially permitted event, and local police are treating the incident as a homicide. Reports indicate that the victim had exchanged gunfire with the suspects before succumbing to his injuries.
As the night of festivities progressed, the shooting marked the 34th homicide in Shreveport for the year. Councilman Alan Jackson expressed sadness and anger regarding the violence, emphasizing the ironic tragedy of an event celebrating unity being overshadowed by such a deadly incident. Senator Thomas Pressly also conveyed disappointment and highlighted the pressing need for increased law enforcement support to combat rising crime in Shreveport.
Despite the violence at the unofficial event, the official National Night Out 2024 is scheduled for the following Tuesday. This year’s main event, hosted by the Shreveport Police Department, will kick-off at 4:30 p.m. in the 700 block of Texas Street. The themed event, “Neon Nights on Texas Street,” will run from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will feature a live DJ, food, games, and family-friendly activities. The purpose of National Night Out is to enhance crime and drug prevention awareness, support local anti-crime efforts, and strengthen police-community partnerships.
In the lead-up to the official event, Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington is encouraging local residents to participate in community block parties from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., during which deputies will engage with attendees to build relationships and foster community safety. Events across the ArkLaTex region are also scheduled, including a city-wide celebration at Front Street Plaza in Texarkana and activities at the Marshall Convention Center in Marshall, Texas, featuring demonstrations by police and fire departments.
The violence seen at the unofficial gathering stands in stark contrast to the core values of National Night Out, which aims to strengthen community bonds and promote neighborhood safety. Newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, Zachary Keller, is actively focusing on efforts to reduce gun violence in the area, highlighting the ongoing concern for safety that persists within the Shreveport community.
As the community reflects on the tragic events of the evening, the upcoming National Night Out signifies not just a celebration of safety, but also a reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead in ensuring the safety and well-being of the city’s residents.
FAQ
What tragic event occurred during National Night Out 2025 in Shreveport?
An 18-year-old male was shot dead at AB Palmer Park during what was described as an unofficial National Night Out event.
What is the purpose of National Night Out?
The purpose of National Night Out is to increase crime and drug prevention awareness, support local anti-crime efforts, and enhance neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
When is the official National Night Out 2024 event scheduled?
National Night Out 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, featuring block parties organized by law enforcement agencies across the ArkLaTex.
Key Features of National Night Out
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date | Tuesday, October 7, 2024 |
| Main Host | Shreveport Police Department |
| Location | 700 block of Texas Street, Shreveport |
| Event Time | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Activities Offered | Live DJ, food, games, family-friendly activities |
| Community Engagement | Block parties across ArkLaTex and law enforcement interaction |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Historic Shreveport Country Club Destroyed by Fire
Teen Shot and Killed at National Night Out Event in Shreveport
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Shreveport Hosts 49th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival
66-Year-Old Joins LSU’s Marching Band
Vigil at UC Santa Barbara Honors Influencer Charlie Kirk
Man Found Shot to Death in Shreveport’s Highland Neighborhood
Community Gathers at Cal Poly Vigil to Honor Activist
17-Year-Old Arrested for Homicide in Shreveport
Additional Resources
- KTBS: National Night Out Around the ArkLaTex
- KSLA: Investigating Fatal Shooting at AB Palmer Park
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: National Night Out Homicide
- KTAL News: AB Palmer Park Shooting
- Shreveport Times: National Night Out 2024
- Wikipedia: National Night Out
- Google Search: National Night Out 2024
- Google Scholar: National Night Out
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Night Out
- Google News: National Night Out 2024
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
