Baton Rouge Union of Police

On behalf of the Baton Rouge Union of Police, I, Brandon L. O’Neal, Local 237 President wanted to thank the men and women for their responded efforts.

This is a statement of gratitude and commendation for the law enforcement officers and emergency medical
personnel who responded to the critical incident at the Mall of Louisiana on April 23, 2026.

Following a violent dispute in the mall food court at approximately 1:22 p.m., gunfire broke out, threatening
the lives of hundreds of shoppers and employees. I want to highlight the heroic actions of the BRPD officer already on patrol within the mall and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy working the
parking lot, whose immediate response likely prevented further loss of life.

The seamless multi-agency coordination displayed yesterday is a testament to the professionalism of our region’s first responders.

We want to extend our deepest thanks to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, the FBI, the ATF, HSI, and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office. Because of this unified front, the scene was secured, the public was safely evacuated, and five suspects were swiftly taken into custody.”

I also want to recognize the vital role played by the Baton Rouge Emergency Medical Services and local hospital trauma units. Their rapid intervention ensured that the six individuals caught in the crossfire received urgent care.

While the community mourns the tragic loss of a 17-year-old life and the injuries sustained by several others I remain grateful for the skill and dedication shown by the medical teams on the front lines.

Yesterday was a dark day for our city, but it was also a day that proved the strength of our brotherhood.

To all who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our officers: thank you for your service and
your unwavering commitment to the safety of Baton Rouge.

For Immediate Release:

The Metro Council needs to hear from you! Please Share.

To the dedicated men and women of the Baton Rouge Police Department, family and friends, and valued supporters. The proposed pay raise for Baton Rouge Police and Emergency Medical Services is on the table, but it needs community backing to cross the finish line. We've seen the trends: Officers aren't leaving the profession; they're just leaving Baton Rouge for better-paying jobs elsewhere.

Let's step up and show that our community still cares about its police department. Tell the Metro Council that public safety is your #1 priority and that you stand with your Officers.

Click the link below, the date of the meeting is 4/22/26. the Agenda Item Number for the pay raise is: 26-00449, list "BRPD Pay Raise" in the Description, and then leave your "In Support" comment today. It only takes 60 seconds!!

Link to the site: https://www.brla.gov/councilcomment

Also, please use our new temporary profile picture as yours so we can flood Facebook with support. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to: [email protected].

Thank you for the continued support.