Killing of Southern University student prompts curfew talk as Trump threatens troops in Louisiana
Baton Rouge mayor considers a curfew and says he would welcome federal troops after a 19-year-old was fatally shot at a red light
A 19-year-old Southern University student was killed early Monday when a vehicle pulled up alongside his car at a red light and opened fire, an attack that has renewed debate about violence in Louisiana and prompted Baton Rouge’s top official to consider imposing a curfew.
The victim, identified as Roderick Forkner, was shot at the intersection of Government Street and South Foster Drive, according to WAFB Channel 9. A passenger in Forkner’s vehicle was injured. The shooting was captured on video, and local officials said the attack has heightened calls for stronger responses to violent crime in the city and state.
Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards said he is weighing a curfew and would welcome assistance from federal troops if President Donald Trump deploys them to the city. Edwards made the remarks as Trump has said he is debating sending federal forces into Louisiana to help “clean up” areas he describes as crime-ridden.
Officials gave few additional details about suspects or a motive. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the shooting and reviewing video of the attack, WAFB reported.
The killing comes amid a broader national conversation about rising violent crime in some cities and the role federal authorities might play in local public safety. President Trump has in recent weeks suggested using federal troops or additional federal law enforcement resources to confront violent crime in states and cities where he says local responses have been inadequate. Local leaders and civil liberties advocates have previously raised legal and practical concerns about deploying military forces to support domestic policing.
Edwards, who holds the combined mayor and parish-president role for Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish, framed the potential curfew and federal assistance as measures to protect public safety while investigations proceed. He did not provide a timeline for any curfew implementation.
Community leaders and residents have called for swift action after the slaying of a college student, saying the incident underscores the human toll of gun violence. Law enforcement officials urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to aid the investigation.
Authorities did not immediately say whether the shooting was connected to any larger pattern of attacks or gang activity. As investigations continue, the case has become part of a larger political debate over how best to reduce violent crime and the extent to which federal intervention should be used to assist local law enforcement.