Five people were shot and wounded during a Mardi Gras parade in Franklinton, Louisiana, with three still hospitalized. Jamerian Anders, 18, was arrested and charged with five counts of attempted first-degree murder after incriminating himself during questioning. Police identified the incident as gang-related and are looking for more suspects.
Gang Violence Erupts at Community Celebration
What should have been a festive Mardi Gras celebration in Franklinton, Louisiana, turned violent Saturday evening when gunfire erupted near the parade route. Five people were wounded in what authorities have described as a gang-related shooting. Local law enforcement quickly responded to the scene, with Franklinton Police and Washington Parish Sheriff’s deputies providing emergency medical aid to the victims before they were transported to medical facilities.
Three of the five victims remained hospitalized as of Sunday, with one person in critical condition and two others in stable but guarded condition. The other two victims have been released from medical care. The shooting occurred around 7 p.m., disrupting what had been a community celebration and sending parade-goers scrambling for safety as law enforcement worked to secure the area.
MASS SHOOTING at parade in Franklinton, Louisiana!
🚨💥 Multiple victims reported, authorities urge caution.
Emergency services rush to the scene. #Franklinton #Louisiana #MassShooting pic.twitter.com/WRTkYDHfjO
— Facts Prime (@factsprime35) March 3, 2025
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Following a swift investigation, 18-year-old Jamerian Anders was taken into custody at 11:40 p.m. Saturday night. According to authorities, Anders implicated himself during questioning, leading to his arrest on five counts of attempted first-degree murder. The severity of the charges reflects the intentional nature of the attack and the multiple victims involved in the incident.
Law enforcement officials have not yet released information about a specific motive for the shooting, though they have confirmed its gang-related nature. The investigation remains active as police search for additional suspects who may have been involved in the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
#BREAKING: Multiple people have been shot during a parade in #Franklinton, #Louisiana https://t.co/sTDJZXKLDl pic.twitter.com/D4levTQOWG
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) March 3, 2025
Earlier Security Concerns Foreshadowed Violence
The shooting came despite heightened security measures that had already been implemented for the Mardi Gras celebration. Earlier that same day, law enforcement had already confronted multiple weapons-related incidents, indicating growing tension in the area. Two juveniles were arrested for carrying firearms along the parade route within a school zone, demonstrating the security challenges facing authorities during the event.
In another concerning incident before the shooting, police responded to reports of gunshots and encountered a person armed with an AR-15-style rifle. The earlier interventions by law enforcement highlight the volatile atmosphere that ultimately culminated in the evening’s violence, raising questions about gang activity in the community and the challenges of securing large public events in areas with known rivalries.
Community Impact and Ongoing Security
The shooting has cast a shadow over what is typically a joyous celebration in Louisiana communities. Mardi Gras parades are deeply rooted in local culture and tradition, making the violence particularly disturbing for residents. Local officials face the difficult task of balancing public safety concerns with the importance of maintaining cultural traditions that bring communities together.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are likely to review security protocols for future public events. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly celebrations can turn tragic when underlying tensions erupt into violence. Franklinton authorities continue to maintain a heightened presence in the area to prevent any retaliatory incidents and to reassure the public as the community processes this traumatic event.
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