24-Year-Old Mario Harris Arrested After Bringing Firearm onto ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron Academy Campus in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LA — April 8, 2025 — A frightening situation unfolded Monday morning at ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron Academy in New Orleans East when a 24-year-old man, identified as Mario Harris, was arrested after allegedly entering the school premises with a firearm. The alarming incident prompted a swift lockdown of the school, a massive police response, and waves of concern from parents, educators, and the surrounding community.

According to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), officers were dispatched to the charter school, located in the 5400 block of Douglas Street, around 9:20 a.m. after reports were made that an unauthorized man had entered the school building while visibly carrying a weapon.

Swift Police Response and Lockdown

The school immediately went into lockdown protocol. Teachers locked classroom doors, students were told to shelter in place, and school resource officers on site contacted law enforcement. Multiple NOPD units arrived on scene within minutes and located the suspect, later identified as Mario Harris, in a hallway near the school gymnasium. Officers were able to apprehend him without further incident. A handgun was recovered at the scene and taken into police custody.

Authorities confirmed that no shots were fired, and no injuries were reported during the incident. School officials praised staff and students for responding calmly and efficiently under extreme stress.

“We are incredibly grateful for the swift and professional response of law enforcement, as well as the poise demonstrated by our educators and students during a very tense situation,” said ReNEW Schools CEO Dr. Angela Wilcox in a press statement released Monday afternoon. “Our top priority is the safety of every student and adult on our campus, and thanks to coordinated emergency protocols, that safety was maintained.”

Who Is Mario Harris?

Mario Harris, 24, is a resident of New Orleans East with a prior criminal record, including charges related to illegal possession of weapons and trespassing. Police have not yet released details about his motive or how he gained entry into the school. Sources familiar with the investigation have stated that Harris has no known affiliation with the school, its staff, or students.

At a press conference Monday evening, NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick addressed the media, saying, “We are thankful this potentially tragic situation ended without harm. However, this incident highlights a growing concern about unauthorized individuals gaining access to schools. We are actively investigating how Mr. Harris entered the building and whether there was any intent to cause harm.”

Harris is currently facing multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm on school property, criminal trespassing, and disturbing the peace. He is being held at the Orleans Justice Center without bond pending a court hearing scheduled later this week.

Parents React with Alarm and Anger

For many parents, the incident was a terrifying reminder of the vulnerability of schools in today’s climate. Dozens of anxious parents gathered outside the school, waiting for word on their children’s safety. Communication from the school came via text alerts and recorded phone messages, which informed families of the lockdown and the eventual arrest of the intruder.

“My heart dropped when I got the call,” said Alana Lewis, whose 8-year-old son attends the academy. “We send our kids to school believing they’ll be safe. This shouldn’t be happening anywhere—especially not here.”

Another parent, James Carver, added, “I’m grateful no one was hurt, but I need to know how someone with a gun walked into my child’s school in broad daylight. This is unacceptable. There needs to be accountability.”

Security Under Scrutiny

In the wake of the incident, questions are mounting about security measures at the school. ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron Academy, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade, has limited security infrastructure, with only a few cameras and school resource officers on staff during school hours.

District officials and law enforcement say they are now reviewing surveillance footage, entry logs, and the building’s security layout to determine how Harris gained access and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.

The Orleans Parish School Board has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss school safety and the possibility of increasing funding for additional security infrastructure, including metal detectors and stricter visitor management protocols.

Community Leaders and Advocates Speak Out

The incident has reignited ongoing debates in New Orleans over gun violence, mental health, and the need for robust school safety policies.

“This could have ended in disaster,” said Councilmember Lesli Harris, who represents District B. “We cannot ignore how vulnerable our children are. This community demands answers, and more importantly, it demands action.”

Several youth and education advocacy organizations are calling for a citywide audit of school security systems, as well as increased investments in mental health services and violence prevention programs.

“There’s a deeper issue here,” said Damon Clarke of the New Orleans Youth Safety Initiative. “This isn’t just about school entry points. It’s about how a young man like Mario Harris ended up with a gun, in crisis, and felt compelled to walk into a school. We need comprehensive solutions—not just reactionary policies.”

What’s Next

As the investigation continues, ReNEW Schools is offering counseling services to students and staff who were impacted by the event. Classes resumed Tuesday with heightened security and additional officers on site.

Police are urging anyone with information about Mario Harris, his recent whereabouts, or potential motives to contact NOPD’s Eighth District at (504) 658-6080 or leave an anonymous tip with Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.

Though no lives were lost, the scars of the incident remain fresh.

“We were lucky this time,” said one teacher, who asked not to be named. “But next time, we might not be. We can’t wait for a tragedy to change things. The time is now.”