A child is in critical condition after at least five people were shot Saturday during a Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana
A child is in critical condition after at least five people were shot Saturday during a Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana

A shooting at the “Mardi Gras in the Country” parade in Clinton, Louisiana on January 31, 2026 has left six people injured, including a child who is in critical condition, authorities confirmed.

The incident took place in front of the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse, shortly after the rural parade — a traditional Louisiana celebration featuring costumed riders, wagons, and community spectators — had begun. Witnesses described a chaotic scene in which people fled in panic after gunfire erupted near the route.

According to local officials, the child who was shot was airlifted to a hospital in Baton Rouge and listed in critical condition, with at least one adult also critically injured. Other victims were transported to nearby medical facilities in serious but stable condition.

Law enforcement responded swiftly, shutting down the parade and securing the area as Louisiana State Police assumed control of the investigation. Multiple agencies including the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office and state troopers blocked streets around the courthouse.

At this time, three individuals are in custody, and police are searching for a vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting. Officials have not yet released details on any motives or charges but are actively pursuing leads.

This shooting adds to a broader pattern of mass shootings in the United States in 2026, as documented in national incident tracking. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward as the investigation unfolds.