In Clinton, Louisiana, a quiet Saturday afternoon turned into a nightmare for families gathered to celebrate the annual “Mardi Gras in the Country” parade. What was meant to be music, laughter, and community togetherness exploded into chaos when gunfire rang out near the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse, leaving six people injured, including a child.
The shooting happened just after the parade began on January 31. Witnesses said the crowd was caught off guard as shots cracked through what had been a festive scene filled with floats, costumes, and cheering spectators. Families dove for cover and people screamed for loved ones as the joyous atmosphere flipped into fear within seconds.
Among the injured was a young child, airlifted to a children’s hospital in Baton Rouge with serious injuries. Officials also said at least one adult was in critical condition, while others were treated at local medical facilities. It wasn’t immediately clear what sparked the violence or whether the victims were specifically targeted.
Law enforcement responded swiftly. Sheriff Jeff Travis and state police cordoned off the area around the courthouse, and the parade was immediately shut down to protect people still in harm’s way. Sheriff’s deputies told reporters that authorities have detained multiple suspects connected to the shooting and are searching for a vehicle believed to have been involved.
Residents of Clinton, a town of just over a thousand people, struggled to make sense of what happened. For years, “Mardi Gras in the Country” has been a cherished tradition, a small-town celebration that draws crowds from across the region to share in Louisiana’s deep carnival culture. That history made this sudden eruption of violence all the more devastating for locals.
In the hours after the shooting, community members shared prayers and messages of support online for the wounded, especially the child fighting for recovery. Social media posts were filled with pictures of familiar faces and stories about neighbors who just minutes earlier were enjoying beads and beignets.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing, and they urged anyone with information to come forward. Law enforcement also emphasized the importance of safety at public gatherings, acknowledging the pain and confusion gripping the small town in the wake of such an unexpected attack.
