In the September 4, 2005, incident, police responding to a report of gunfire confronted two families on a bridge and opened fire, killing two people and wounding four others.

One of the fatalities was mentally handicapped Ronald Madison.

The officers encountered the Bartholomew family at the base of the Danziger Bridge and the Madison family near the top of the bridge, Orleans Parish District Attorney Eddie Jordan said in a news release.

"These officers shot and killed two people and critically wounded four people," Jordan added.

After the shooting Ronald Madison's brother, Lance, was arrested and charged with numerous offenses including attempted murder, but the grand jury refused to indict Madison for any crime.

After devastating floods triggered by Katrina in August-September 2005 forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, the streets of New Orleans became a lawless haven for looters, criminals, rogue cops and armed civilians intent on protecting their property.

The incident on Danziger Bridge drew attention to the lack of control and confusion prevalent among the few law enforcement officers who stayed behind in the crippled city.

"We cannot allow our police officers to shoot and kill our citizens without justification like rabid dogs. The rules governing the use of lethal force are not suspended during a state of emergency. Everyone, including police officers, must abide by the law of the land," Jordan said.