The city of New Orleans today announced Mardi Gras 2022 was safe and successful, thanks to NOPD and its state and federal public safety partners.
"NOPD, along with law enforcement partners, reported 125 arrests and the removal of more than 52 guns from city streets during the two major weekends of the season," the city announced in a news release Tuesday.
There were some notable setbacks, though. One person was injured in a shooting that happened on St. Charles Ave. during the Muses parade. And at least two visitors in town for Mardi Gras were murdered: 15-year-old Heaven Nettles, from Houston, was fatally shot the night of Endymion just blocks off the parade route in Mid-City; and South Carolina visitor Brandon Bovain was killed when caught in the crossfire of a shooting in his hotel's parking lot.
In addition to law enforcement, the city said Mardi Gras was safe from a public health standpoint, too.
"The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) distributed 35,798 COVID-19 test kits, totaling almost 70,206 tests provided during this time period," it said. "NOHD also distributed 4,000 masks and activated first aid stations along the parade routes staffed by 172 volunteers who worked a combined 2,102 hours."
