First gunshots rang out followed by screams in New Orleans’ French Quarter, as a crowd gathered to celebrate the Mardi Gras countdown. Police released footage of an amateur video that showed where four people were wounded in the shooting on Bourbon Street following an argument that involved the many revelers.
In rapid fashion, four shots could be heard amongst the thousands. Screams that could be heard on the video quickly followed the shots. Authorities did not say if there had been arrests made but appealed for help from the public in their ongoing investigation into the shooting that took place late on Saturday night on the most famous street of the French Quarter.
The four wounded included one male who was shot in the abdomen, pelvis and thigh area, and was listed in guarded condition. Another male and two females suffered less serious wounds from gunshots, said a spokesman for the New Orleans Police Department.
The other male was hit in the buttocks, while one female was hit on her chin and the bottom of her right foot and the second female was struck on her toe, added the police spokesman.
Police had announced late Saturday that the male who was injured the worst was in surgery in critical condition, while the other three victims were listed as stable. Ages or names of the injured were not released by police officials.
Saturday’s shooting came as the partying approached the start of Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday celebration as it is known in English is New Orleans’ annual signature event for tourism and draws huge crowds.
