Officers charged in post-Katrina bridge shootings

NEW ORLEANS — Four New Orleans police officers have been charged with federal civil rights violations in the deadly shootings of unarmed people on a bridge after Hurricane Katrina. Two others were charged in the same indictment with trying to cover up the shootings.

The indictment unsealed today charges Sgt. Robert Gisevius, Sgt. Kenneth Bowen and officers Anthony Villavaso and Robert Faulcon in the shootings. Sgts. Arthur Kaufman and Gerard Dugue are charged with joining the others in a cover-up.

Five former New Orleans police officers already have pleaded guilty to helping cover up the shootings on the Danziger Bridge that left two men dead and four wounded just days after the August 2005 hurricane left the city in chaos.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Bothell
Bothell man charged with the murder of his wife after Shoreline shooting

On Tuesday, the 43-year-old pleaded not guilty in King County Superior Court.

Five Snohomish County men named in drug and gun trafficking indictments

On Tuesday, federal and local law enforcement arrested 10 individuals in connection with three interrelated drug and gun trafficking conspiracies.

Snohomish County Sheriff Susanna Johnson speaks at a press conference outside of the new Snohomish County 911 building on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County sheriff working to fix $15M in overspending

In a presentation to the County Council, Sheriff Johnson said she’s reducing overtime hours and working to boost revenue with a new 0.1% sales tax.

A Sound Transit bus at it's new stop in the shadow of the newly opened Northgate Lightrail Station in Seattle. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Sound Transit may add overnight bus service between Everett, Seattle

The regional transit agency is seeking feedback on the proposed service changes, set to go into effect in fall 2026.

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mother sues Edmonds School District after her son’s fingertip was allegedly severed

The complaint alleges the boy’s special education teacher at Cedar Way Elementary closed the door on his finger in 2023.

Pedal-free electric bikes are considered motorcycles under Washington State law (Black Press Media file photo)
Stanwood Police: Pedal-free e-bikes are motorcycles

Unlike electric-assisted bikes, they need to be registered and operated by a properly endorsed driver.

Cars headed north on Highway 9 line up south of the light at 30th Street on Friday, July 9, 2021 in Snohomish, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
WSDOT to begin work on $145M Highway 9 widening

Initial pile driving work is expected to begin next week. Be prepared for lots of noise, the department said.

d’Elaine Herard Johnson poses for a portrait next to hundreds of her paintings in her Edmonds home on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
‘My personal language’: Edmonds artist to hold final exhibition

d’Elaine Herard Johnson, 93, continues to paint full-time. She plans to donate her 1,200 paintings and estate to Edmonds College.

“No Beach Access” and “By Order of the Sheriff” tow-away signs installed at Hillman Place a public right-of-way near Soundview Drive Northwest in Stanwood. (K’allen Specht)
Snohomish County judge hears arguments on petition over access to the shoreline

Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Karen Moore said she will issue a written statement on whether or not to dismiss the petition alleging the use of “ghost signs,” concrete barriers and removal of parking erased access to a public right-of-way.

Lily Lamoureux stacks Weebly Funko toys in preparation for Funko Friday at Funko Field in Everett on July 12, 2019. Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett-based Funko: ‘Serious doubt’ it can continue without new owner or funding

The company made the statements during required filings to the SEC. Even so, its new CEO outlined his plan for a turnaround.

Providence Swedish is the largest health care system in western Washington, with eight hospitals and 244 clinics in the Puget Sound area. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Providence to continue gender-affirming care for now, despite US bishop ban

Providence is working to understand the impacts of changes approved Wednesday to Catholic health care systems, a spokesperson said.

People walk through Explorer Middle School’s new gymnasium during an open house on Oct. 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett middle school celebrates opening of new gym

The celebration came as the Mukilteo School District seeks the approval of another bond measure to finish rebuilding Explorer Middle School.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.