9 injured in graduation block party shooting, La. sheriff says

THIBODAUX, La. (WVUE/Gray News) - Nine people were injured, seven of whom sustained gunshot wounds, when a shooting broke out at a graduation party in Thibodaux, Louisiana, on Sunday night, according to Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre.

Officials said five females and two males, all between the ages of 17 and 25, were shot. Two additional female victims between the ages of 21 and 25 sustained injuries when the large crowd began to disperse as people ran for cover.

There were no fatalities. Eight of the victims were released from the hospital as of Monday afternoon, Webre said during a news conference.

The sheriff said the shooting happened on Hyland Drive around 9:30 p.m.

Deputies said the block party turned into violence and panic when gunfire rang out. Neighbors say the block party is a graduation party the community hosts every year.

Deputies initially rushed to care for two people who had been shot, but quickly realized five others had also been shot.

Some were taken to a nearby hospital and others were flown to the University Medical Center in New Orleans for emergency treatment.

Investigators said one gun has been recovered, along with several shell casings from two different handguns. Webre said he believes there were two gunmen.

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