"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of the Howard Johnson Tragedy in New Orleans

Motivated by racial hatred and anti-police sentiment a lone gunman killed 10 people, including five New Orleans police officers, in one of the deadliest episodes in law enforcement history.

(clockwise from top left) Alfred Harrell, Edwin Hosli Sr., Paul Persigo, Philip Coleman Sr. and Louis Sirgo

McLean, Va (August 25, 2025) - Many have come to know it simply as the “Howard Johnson Tragedy.” Motivated by racial hatred and anti-police sentiment, a lone gunman by the name of Mark Essex, launched a violent rampage targeting law enforcement and civilians. When his week-long rampage was over, 10 people were dead, including five New Orleans police officers. Thirteen other first responders and civilians were wounded. It all started on New Year’s Eve 1972 when Essex shot and killed two New Orleans officers—Police Cadet Alfred Harrell and Sgt. Edwin Hosli Sr.—in separate incidents. A week later, the killer barricaded himself in the Howard Johnson Hotel in downtown New Orleans. During a 36-hour siege, he killed three more New Orleans officers: Patrolman Paul Persigo, Patrolman Philip Coleman Sr. and Deputy Superintendent Louis Sirgo. Cornered, with nowhere to escape, Essex made a futile run from his hiding place and was gunned down by the police sharpshooters who had surrounded the hotel. His body was riddled with some 200 bullet wounds.

Listen to the podcast to learn more: https://open.substack.com/pub/behindbadge/p/heroes-live-forever-the-story-of-461