Teenagers Charged After Clinton Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade Shooting Injures Five
Two teenagers, ages 19 and 15, were charged after gunfire at Clinton’s Mardi Gras in the Country Parade wounded five people, including a 6-year-old child.
Gunfire erupted during the Mardi Gras in the Country Parade in Clinton, East Feliciana Parish, leaving five people wounded and sending paradegoers scrambling for cover. Investigators say the shooting occurred during the small-town parade on Saturday, January 31, 2026, and that all five victims were expected to survive.
Bill Cox, the sheriff’s Chief Criminal Deputy, said, "All five victims were expected to survive." Cox made the comment as law enforcement worked Saturday to secure the scene about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge.
The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that two teenagers - identified in charging documents only by age, 19 and 15 - were arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. The sheriff’s office announced on social media that the pair face counts of attempted murder, obstructing justice, and reckless discharge of a firearm.
Those two charged were among three people detained Saturday after officers found guns near the parade route, the sheriff’s office said. The third person detained is a 26-year-old man who has been charged with illegally possessing a firearm; investigators said they do not believe he was involved in the shootings.
Authorities have not released names of the wounded or the suspects, and no motive has been announced. Officials also did not provide hospital names or details about the nature of the injuries beyond the one victim described as a 6-year-old child. The sheriff’s office said Sunday that it was unaware of any changes in the victims’ conditions since the initial update.
Law enforcement asked the public to help the investigation by turning over any photos or video of the shooting or nearby areas. The sheriff’s office additionally warned that more arrests are expected as detectives continue to follow leads and process evidence from the parade scene.
The incident marked a rare outbreak of violence at the small-town Clinton event, drawing investigative resources to East Feliciana Parish in the days after the parade. Deputies and detectives remain on the case, and charging documents list attempted murder among the most serious counts against the two teenagers arrested.
Community members with footage or information are being sought by the sheriff’s office as authorities assemble a case that, so far, includes three people detained Saturday, formal charges against the 19- and 15-year-olds, and a separate firearms charge against a 26-year-old man.
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
