A weekend bonfire event in Dubberly, Louisiana, turned violent when gunfire erupted, leaving six individuals injured, two of whom are in critical condition. The unpermitted event, dubbed “#BigBlessed Littest Bonfire Pt. 3,” featured live performances, free food and drinks, and a DJ, drawing a large crowd but little to no security.
According to Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker, deputies arrived at the scene just before midnight on Saturday, only to find the party still in full swing despite the shooting. Most victims had already been transported from the scene by private individuals before law enforcement arrived, complicating emergency response efforts.
Traffic congestion at the event’s location posed significant challenges for first responders. The sheriff’s office emphasized that if emergency vehicles had been required, their access would have been severely hindered.
Sheriff Parker attributed the incident to the lack of planning and regulation for such large gatherings. “This is what can happen when you have a combination of large uncontrolled crowds, music, and alcohol plus little or no security,” Parker stated.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the shooting and the planning of the unpermitted bonfire. With no prior notification of the event, law enforcement only became aware of it through social media posts on the night it occurred.
Dubberly, a small village in Webster Parish located 40 miles from Shreveport, is now grappling with the aftermath of the violence. Officials are interviewing attendees to piece together the events leading to the gunfire, though the investigation is expected to take time due to the number of witnesses involved.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by large, unregulated gatherings, highlighting the importance of proper security measures and advance notification to local authorities.
