Five people were shot and one person was killed in a shooting at the Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans on Sunday, February 19th, 2023. The shooting occurred around 4:30 p.m. local time, just before the parade was set to begin.
According to witness reports, the shooter opened fire from a balcony overlooking the parade route. The victims were all in their 20s or 30s and were transported to nearby hospitals, where one person was pronounced dead. The four other victims are currently in stable condition.
Officials report that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody. The suspect’s identity and motive for the shooting are currently unknown.
The shooting has shocked the local community and put a damper on the Mardi Gras festivities. The parade, which was set to feature over 30 floats, was delayed for over an hour due to the shooting. Once the parade began, many of the floats paid tribute to the victims of the shooting.
The shooting has also reignited the debate over gun control in the United States. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has called for stricter gun control laws in the wake of the shooting.
The Krewe of Bacchus Parade is one of the largest and most popular Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. The parade is known for its elaborate floats and celebrity guests, with past kings including Will Ferrell and Hugh Laurie.
In recent years, there has been an increase in violence surrounding Mardi Gras celebrations. In 2019, three people were killed and five were injured in a shooting at a Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana.
The shooting at the Krewe of Bacchus parade is a tragic reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States and its impact on communities across the country. As the investigation into the shooting continues, many are left wondering what can be done to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.