Louisiana Police Issue Warning on Guns at Mardi Gras Parades

As Mardi Gras festivities begin across Louisiana, local law enforcement agencies are working overtime to ensure the safety of everyone who plans on attending parades during carnival season.

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The Duson Police Chief, Chief Kip Judice, wants to remind the community and surrounding areas of the gun laws as we move into Mardi Gras season.

Large crowds are expected for parades and Mardi Gras Krewe celebrations, and many folks will be under the influence. Unfortunately, while Carnival Season is meant to be centered around family fun and celebrating, the likelihood of a disagreement or argument increases with the number of people partaking in recreational substances.

To limit criminal offenses and increase public safety, Judice highlights the importance of knowing Louisiana's gun laws.

"People show up for those events for a family fun event where a lot of things can happen, and a person in possession of a firearm is likely to make poor judgment at that time, and that could certainly result in some enhanced criminal offenses," Judice tells KLFY, "Especially during this carnival season, people partake in alcohol, partake in other things that would impair their judgment, and so just having a firearm is a bad idea"

Chief Judice emphasizes the importance of being responsible so that everyone can have a fun and safe Mardi Gras this year.

"It’s easy to get tempers popping up, and we just discourage that. I mean, we would like for everybody to come to the festival, to the season, to the parades and enjoy themselves, and if they do that, then I think everybody would end up walking away happier and with a better season.”

This reminder comes after Markinely Tezeno, 19, of Crowley, was arrested for illegally carrying a firearm at a Mardi Gras parade, according to KLFY.

Louisiana’s Gun Laws on Firearms at Parades

Under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:95.2, it is illegal to possess a firearm within 1,000 feet of a parade route. This law applies whether the firearm is carried openly or concealed unless the individual has explicit authorization, such as law enforcement or parade security personnel.

Violating this law can lead to serious legal consequences, including criminal charges, hefty fines, and even jail time.