Chaos erupted at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival last night as two individuals were wounded by gunfire, prompting an immediate shutdown of the festivities, reported FOX 8 Live. The sound of shots sparked panic among attendees, though specific details on the conditions and ages of the victims have not been made available.
According to WWLTV, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. with Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker confirming the injuries; one victim was initially reported shot, and later, the office reported a second gunshot victim, meanwhile, despite the shooting, festival organizers have defiantly decided to resume the event on Sunday which starts with the scheduled 9 a.m. church service and will end earlier at 5 p.m.
The sheriff's office expressed a commitment to justice and healing, stating, "While we pray for the recovery of those injured, we vow to hold accountable those responsible for ruining what has, so far, been an exceptional weekend." This sentiment was underscored by festival organizers who, while discouraging violence, urged potential visitors not to be deterred by the episode and to approach the concluding day of the festival with respect, particularly considering the presence of families and children.
Further updates on the investigation have been handed off to the Ponchatoula Police Department, as communicated by WDSU, with Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival organizers calling for patience and respect from those attending, in the aftermath of the event which was otherwise branded as a safe and joyful weekend by those involved, the sheriff's department assured of an ongoing investigation to apprehend those behind the violent disruption.
