On Fat Tuesday, February 24, 2009, witnesses reported several people had been shot on the St. Charles Avenue Mardi Gras parade route in New Orleans. The victims were taken to hospital with what appeared to be non life-threatening injuries. Two suspects were arrested shortly after the shootings, according to police spokesperson Bob Young.Nola.com: Two people shot on St. Charles Avenue parade route (February 24, 2009) 2theadvocate.com: Several shot along New Orleans parade route (February 24, 2009)

A bullet grazed a toddler, but the 20-month-old baby was not seriously injured. The most seriously injured went into surgery for stomach wounds.FOXNews.com: Seven Shot Along... (February 25, 2009)

Although initial reports stated that two people had been shot, a later report said that there were three victims and another report stated that five people had been injured, including an infant. Police spokesperson Bob Young said that some of the victims were innocent bystanders, including a woman who was shot in the leg while watching the parade from a ladder. The presence of several police officers in the area resulted in the victims receiving aid quickly and effective apprehension of the suspects.WDSU News: At Least 3 Shot Along Uptown Parade Route (February 24, 2009) Tri-City Herald: Infant, 4 others shot near Mardi Gras parade route (February 24, 2009)

"It sounded like a string of fireworks, so I knew it was more than one shooter."FOXNews.com: Seven Shot Along Mardi Gras Parade Route in New Orleans (February 25, 2009) — Toni Labat, witness