One person is dead and four others have been wounded in a shooting Sunday night along a Mardi Gras parade route in New Orleans, police said.
“Upon arrival at the location, they discovered five victims suffering from gunshot wounds,” the NOPD said.
All of the shooting victims were taken to the hospital where one of them was later pronounced dead. The victims included three males and two females, including one juvenile.
Chief Deputy Superintendent Hans Ganthier told media at a press conference that the juvenile was in stable condition and one of the victims was in critical condition.
Ganthier said that a quick response by officers led to the suspect’s arrest.
“With the help of our partners, we were quickly able to apprehend the subject that we believe to be responsible for this,” he said.
Police also confiscated two weapons, he added.
“This is really not something we wanted to see,” Ganthier said. “We really wanted this to be a safe Mardi Gras.”
The police chief urged witnesses to come forward and provide law enforcement with more information about the shooting, including whether another suspect may have been involved.
He wouldn’t say if police suspect a second shooter, citing an ongoing investigation.
Asked by a reporter whether there’s any danger to the public, Ganthier said he believes there’s no threat and that he hopes for a safe event going forward.
An eyewitness told the outlet that at least a dozen shots were fired, sparking a frantic rush by people trying to flee for safety.
“You want to protect the ones you love. It is what it is. It sucks,” he added.
“This is all a crime scene, go in this direction,” the officer tells people, according to the video. “I apologize for any inconvenience. People are injured. Thank you.”
The Krewe of Bacchus parade has been an annual event in New Orleans on the Sunday before Fat Tuesday.
The carnival-style procession showcases large, elaborate floats and is one of the largest and most popular Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, drawing large crowds.
