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.

Vote PASSED! Thank you to the Mayor and the Chief and their Administration and the Metro Council. Also a huge thank you to the 803 emails sent by our supporters to the Council. Yall's support has been uplifting and amazing. Congrats, BRPD..... you deserve it.

• District 1: Brandon Noel - YES
• District 2: Anthony Kenney - ABSTAIN
• District 3: Rowdy Gaudet - YES
• District 4: Aaron Moak - YES
• District 5: Darryl Hurst - NO VOTE
• District 6: Cleve Dunn, Jr - NO VOTE
• District 7: Twahna P. Harris - YES
• District 8: Denise Amoroso - YES
• District 9: Dwight Hudson - YES
• District 10: Carolyn Coleman - YES
• District 11: Laurie Adams - YES
• District 12: Jennifer Racca - YES

Vote for the raise: PASSED

Vote to defer vote until next meeting: FAILED

1743hrs: Councilman Gaudet spoke about others in the Council stating that they would vote in support prior to this meeting. Mayor spoke during and advised that there were never any prior votes.

1742hrs: Councilman Moak spoke about not being present for the following meeting

1738hrs: Councilman Dunn spoke in opposition to the BRPD raise and asked to defer the vote for 2 weeks

1728hrs: Councilman Hurst spoke in support of lowering the raise amount to spread to other branches. Also wants to defer the vote for 2 weeks.

1723hrs: Councilman Kenny spoke in support of a raise for all City-Parish employees, but said he supports the BRPD raise

1719hrs: Councilwoman Harris spoke in support of the BRPD raise

1717hrs: Councilman Hudson spoke in support of the BRPD raise

1710hrs: Councilwoman Coleman spoke in support of a raise for all City-Parish employees, but said she supports the BRPD raise

1707hrs: EBR Mayor-President Sid Edwards speaking in support of the BRPD pay raise

1703hrs: Former BRPD Chief Leduff speaking in support of the BRPD raise

1701hrs: Civilian (former BRPD Civilian Employee) speaking in opposition of the raise

1658hrs: Civilian speaking in opposition of the raise

1655hrs: Civilian speaking in opposition of the raise

1651hrs: Civilian speaking in support of a raise for all City-Parish workers

1648hrs: Civilian (retired BRPD) spoke in support of the BRPD raise

1646hrs: Cpl. Tauzin, with the Constables Office (retired BRPD Major), spoke on behalf of a Constables raise

1642hrs: Civilian (Civil Rights Attorney) spoke on how cops shouldn't be paid because we're violating the Constitution? I dont know, he spoke fast......

1638hrs: Deputy Chief Douglas speaking in support of the raise

1635hrs: Civilian speaking in support of all City-Parish employees getting a raise

1631hrs: Civilian (NAACP) speaking in support of the Constables Office raise

1629hrs: Civilian speaking in support of the Constables Office raise

1627hrs: City Court Judge speaking on behalf of the Constables raise

1624hrs: Magnolia State Peace Officer Association Strong speaking on behalf of support of the raise

1623hrs: Civilian speaking in support of the Constables Office raise

1622hrs: Civilian speaking in support of the Constables Office raise

1620hrs: Union President O'Neal is speaking

1618hrs: Constable is speaking

1615hrs: Chief is speaking on the matter

1607hrs: Meeting has started

1540hrs: We are currently at the Council Meeting. I will give live updates on this post as things progress.

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.

Duke will be missed. His sarcasm couldn't be matched.

For Dispatcher Appreciation Week, we honor our HEROES with HEADSETS that answer every call our BRPD Officers respond to. Join us throughout the week in thanking them for their hard work and dedication to the citizens of Baton Rouge. 💛

TODAY'S THE DAY!!
Come grab plates of jambalaya to support Myron!! Today from 11am-1pm. See yall here!

Please share!!