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By Hollie Silverman
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Gunfire disrupted the "Mardi Gras in the Country" parade in Clinton, Louisiana, injuring multiple people, including a 6-year-old child, and prompting authorities to shut down the event on Saturday, officials and local media said.
At least five people were injured in the shooting, East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis said during a press briefing with local news stations WAFB and WBRZ.
There was no immediate information on the severity of the injuries or the identities of those injured, Travis added.
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Newsweek has reached out to the Louisiana State Police (LSP) by email Saturday for more information.
The Context
The shooting occurred along a family-oriented community parade that marked its 21st year, underscoring public safety concerns at large outdoor events in Louisiana during Mardi Gras season.
The incident took place near the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse in Clinton, about 35 miles northeast of Baton Rouge, and drew responses from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office, Clinton Police, and LSP.
What To Know
During Saturday's press conference, Travis explained that the parade had just begun around noon when the gunfire started, and deputies immediately halted the procession as three suspects were taken into custody.
Authorities said they were also searching for a vehicle in relation to the shooting, local news station WBRZ reported.
LSP assumed control of the investigation as officers blocked streets around the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse.
Meanwhile, authorities said they believed the people who were injured were bystanders, according to WBRZ, which also added that parade participants were later allowed to leave the area.
What People Are Saying
East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis told local news outlets in a press briefing: "The parade did not get to main street before shots were fired...There's still a whole lot we don't know."
One resident told WBRZ on Saturday about the shooting: "Everybody started running. This does not happen often in this particular area."
What Happens Next
LSP continue to investigate the shooting and worked with local agencies to collect evidence and interview witnesses as they sought additional information about the suspects and any vehicle connected to the incident.
Authorities had not released victim identities, conditions, or a motive as of Saturday afternoon, and officials advised that details could change as they verified information.
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