Seven people, one of them a toddler, were shot in New Orleans today as they watched a Mardi Gras parade, police say. Two men are listed in serious condition, reports the Times-Picayune, and all of the victims appeared to be innocent bystanders. Police chased down and arrested two suspects, ages 18 and 20, the Times-Picayune notes. It's not clear what set off the shooting.
"I'm off to Afghanistan this summer. Damn, this is more dangerous than Afghanistan," said an Air Force reservist who stopped to help one of the victims. (More New Orleans stories.)