New Orleans police have not yet arrested or filed charges against the men on a Krewe of Carrollton float who allegedly "aggressively threw" beads at them during the krewe's parade.
Authorities pulled those riders off the float shortly after the incident happened Sunday evening. On Monday, the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation is calling for those riders to be held accountable for their actions.
"This kind of activity is 100-percent unacceptable, it is appalling, and it will not be tolerated," Police and Justice Foundation president Melanie Talia said.
Talia said police are working long and hard hours to protect parade attendees and float riders alike. She says incidents like the one that happened last night ruin Mardi Gras festivities for everyone and puts revelers and police alike in danger.
"It puts everyone at risk, not only the police officers, (when you're) throwing beads in that manner. What if you hit somebody in the face?" Talia said. "Imaging being hit in the back of the head or the back of your body with a giant bag of beads. That could be debilitating, even if it's only for a few minutes. That's putting everyone at risk."
Talia says the reaction of New Orleans residents shows that the city backs the NOPD, noting that the overwhelming reaction of residents has been one of shock and anger.
"Overwhelmingly, the people of New Orleans are in support of our New Orleans police officers and all that they do to make sure that everyone has a happy, safe, and enjoyable Mardi Gras," Talia said. "Overwhelmingly, the citizens of New Orleans are not happy with the guys on this particular float."
The Krewe of Carrollton released a statement about the incident late Monday morning.
"The Krewe of Carrollton, the fourth-oldest parading krewe in Mardi Gras, is fully aware of the unfortunate incident that occurred during yesterday’s parade," krewe officials said in a statement posted on social media. "Immediately following the parade, the Captain and President of the Krewe discussed the incident involving Float 10 with Captain Micheu of the New Orleans Police Department. They will meet again to gather additional details.
The statement adds that krewe’s disciplinary board will "thoroughly address this matter, along with any related issues, to ensure all facts are obtained and properly reviewed."
"The Krewe of Carrollton does not tolerate this type of behavior from its riders," the statement continued, adding that rider and reveler safety is "paramount" to the organization. "We stand in full support of the New Orleans Police Department and all supporting law enforcement agencies, and we recognize that without their dedication and service, Mardi Gras parades would not be possible.
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