One person is dead and four injured after gunfire erupted in New Orleans along the route of a popular parade as the city gears up for its annual Mardi Gras festivities.
The shooting broke out at about 9:30 p.m. local time along the route of the Krewe of Bacchus parade, which took place on Sunday afternoon, according to the New Orleans Police Department. The four victims who were injured are reportedly in stable condition.
An @NOPDNews officer just confirmed they are working a “crime scene” and “people are injured.”
Police are extending the perimeter and clearing the area along the uptown parade route. @wdsu pic.twitter.com/0XYSlC6Kb6
— Jonah Gilmore (@JonahMGilmore) February 20, 2023
The cause of the shooting has not yet been released. A suspect is in custody, according to New Orleans Police Department Chief Deputy Superintendent Hans Ganthier.
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“This is really not something we wanted to see. We really wanted this to be a safe Mardi Gras, and we’ll continue to work towards that end,” Ganthier said at a news conference. “However, we really, really want to get the public’s help, and if there were other individuals involved, please call Crime Stoppers.”
In addition to arresting a suspect, police said two weapons were confiscated at the crime scene.
This month is a festive time for New Orleans, which plays host to several parades in the lead-up to Mardi Gras on Tuesday. Three more parades are scheduled for Monday ahead of the main celebration.
