CLINTON — What began as a festive Mardi Gras parade in Clinton quickly turned into chaos when gunfire erupted near the courthouse, an experience parade videographer Delane Ross says he will never forget.
Ross, who has filmed parades since 2022, was doing what he has done countless times before, capturing smiling faces, vendors, music and people dancing along Main Street, when the sound of gunshots cut through the celebration around 12:18 p.m. Saturday.
“I normally film the parade. That’s normally my job, just to be there and capture the highlight moments and the best moments,” Ross said.
MORE: Three arrested, fourth suspect wanted in East Feliciana Mardi Gras shooting; teen charged as adult
“I thought it was fireworks”
The shooting happened in front of or near the courthouse as hundreds of people, including children, were gathered waiting for the parade to reach them.
“At first it sounded like fireworks,” Ross said. “But after the first or second shot, I knew those were not fireworks.”
Ross says he was able to see several gunshots before instinctively running for cover behind the stage.
“I could actually see the gunshots go off, maybe two or three of them, before I started running,” he said.
Chaos in a crowd of families
According to the East Feliciana Sheriff’s Office, six people were shot during the incident, including a 6-year-old girl who was shot multiple times in the leg and remains in critical condition. A woman shot during the incident is believed to be paralyzed. Two victims were airlifted from the scene, while others were transported to Baton Rouge hospitals.
Additional injuries were also reported as people fled for safety, including a broken ankle caused by a vehicle and a woman believed to have been trampled.
Ross said from his vantage point, there was no visible confrontation before the shooting.
“I saw a lot of unsuspecting people just having a good time, dancing, enjoying the music,” Ross said. “Nobody had any expectations. From where I was, we were just preparing for the parade to start.”
Capturing moments just before the gunfire
While reviewing the footage afterward, Ross realized his video captured moments just before the violence, including images of two of the victims.
“I was able to see the young girl and the lady who was also shot just standing there getting ready for the parade,” Ross said. “The video pretty much had what I saw.”
Investigators point to gang dispute
Authorities say the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two rival gangs, the 448s from the Pride–Port Hudson corridor and Chaneyville area, and the ABMs from Centreville, Mississippi.
Three people have been arrested so far: Phillip Williams, 24, of Ethel; Noah Basquine, 19, of Ethel; and 16-year-old Malik Liggins of Ethel. All three are charged with six counts of attempted second-degree murder, principal to obstruction of justice, and reckless discharge of a firearm at a parade or demonstration. Prosecutors decided Monday to charge Liggins as an adult.
An arrest warrant is out for V’treylin White, 18, of Jackson, La.
MORE: Clinton Mardi Gras parade shooting believed to be “rival gangs”
Jascent Scott, 26, of Baker, was arrested from the scene but officials say he was not involved in the actual shooting. He was accused of illegally carrying a concealed weapon and resisting arrest.
“A parade is not a place for this”
Ross said the emotional impact of the shooting came in waves, starting with anger and followed by sadness.
“At first, I was mad. Like, how does this happen at a parade?” Ross said. “Then when you hear people screaming and realize someone has been shot, it just becomes sad. A parade is not a place for that type of activity.”
“It’s happening too frequently”
This marks the second time Ross has been present at a parade where gunfire broke out. He recalled a previous shooting at a Christmas parade in Baton Rouge where someone was killed.
“After it happened again, I said I’m fine without going to parades anymore,” Ross said. “It’s happening too frequently in places where a lot of people gather.”
A broader concern beyond Clinton
While Ross praised the quick response from law enforcement and the community’s actions during the crisis, he says the incident reflects a troubling national trend.
“Louisiana is a very festive state,” Ross said. “But this isn’t just a local issue. These things are happening at big public events across the country, and it’s definitely been in the back of my mind.”
Law enforcement seeks public’s help
Officials emphasized that additional law enforcement, including state troopers, was already in place due to concerns from past parades. Authorities are asking anyone with photos or videos from the area of the shooting to contact East Feliciana Parish 911 Communications at the non-emergency number 225-683-5459.
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