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Five people, including a six-year-old child, were wounded in a shooting during a Mardi Gras parade in Clinton, Louisiana, on Saturday, authorities said.
The incident took place shortly after the parade began at midday during the “Mardi Gras in the Country” event, according to East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis. The sudden gunfire caused panic among spectators, with people running for cover.
Sheriff Travis said three individuals who were carrying firearms in the area were taken into custody, but it is not yet clear whether they were involved in the shooting.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the incident in a post on X, calling it “absolutely horrific and unacceptable” and urging the public to pray for the victims.
Officials have not released further details about the injured victims, but Chief Criminal Deputy Bill Cox told The Advocate that all of them are expected to survive.
The sheriff’s office has asked anyone who captured photos or video of the shooting or nearby areas to share the footage with investigators. Local media outlet WBRZ reported that Louisiana State Police have taken over the investigation.
Clinton, a small town of about 1,300 residents, is part of the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.
The shooting comes amid continued concerns over gun violence in the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, at least 24 mass shootings have occurred in the country so far this year.
