Shooting at Louisiana Parade Leaves Five Wounded, Including Child, Authorities Say

CLINTON, La. (AP) – A community Mardi Gras parade in rural Louisiana was disrupted by gunfire on Saturday, leaving five people wounded, including a 6-year-old child, according to local authorities. The incident unfolded in Clinton, a town about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge, shortly after the event began at midday.

East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis said the shooting occurred during the “Mardi Gras in the Country” parade, a local tradition that typically draws families and residents from surrounding areas. Panic spread quickly as spectators sought cover amid the sound of gunfire, he said, though the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Law enforcement officers were already present for parade security, but officials said the motive and those responsible were not immediately clear in the aftermath. Authorities detained three individuals in the vicinity who were carrying firearms, though it has not yet been determined whether they were involved in the shooting.

Investigation underway after Louisiana parade shooting

Sheriff Travis told reporters that investigators were working to reconstruct the sequence of events, reviewing witness accounts and potential video evidence from bystanders. The sheriff’s office has asked anyone who captured images or footage from the scene or nearby areas to come forward to assist the investigation.

Details about the victims were not immediately released. However, Chief Criminal Deputy Bill Cox told local media outlet The Advocate that all five people injured were expected to survive.

The shooting has shaken the small parish community, where Mardi Gras parades are longstanding cultural gatherings and typically marked by family participation, music, and local traditions rather than heavy security concerns. Events of this nature in smaller towns often rely on a visible but limited law enforcement presence, reflecting their community-centered nature.

Governor Jeff Landry responded to the incident in a post on the social media platform X, calling the shooting “absolutely horrific and unacceptable” and urging prayers for those affected.

Community traditions disrupted by violence

Mardi Gras celebrations are widely observed across Louisiana, from large-scale festivities in New Orleans and Baton Rouge to smaller parades in rural parishes such as East Feliciana. These events often involve floats, marching groups, and spectators lining streets in close proximity, which can complicate crowd control when emergencies occur.

While major cities have developed extensive security protocols for Mardi Gras season, smaller towns typically manage with fewer resources. Saturday’s incident has prompted questions locally about safety measures for future gatherings, though officials emphasized that the focus remains on identifying what happened and who was responsible.

Investigators have not released information on whether the shooting stemmed from a dispute, was random, or involved individuals known to each other. Authorities cautioned against speculation as the inquiry continues.

Residents and community leaders have expressed concern and solidarity as families await further information about those injured. Local officials have not announced whether upcoming parade events in the parish will be altered or postponed.

As the investigation progresses, law enforcement officials reiterated their request for public assistance, emphasizing that photos and videos from the scene may be critical in establishing a clear timeline of events.