PONCHATOULA, LA (4/13/2025) — A night of celebration at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival was disrupted Saturday after two individuals were injured in a shooting on the festival grounds.
According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the initial victim sustained an abdominal injury and remains hospitalized.
A second victim is being treated for a graze wound. The incident prompted an early closure of the festival Saturday evening for the safety of guests.
In a statement released at 11:30 p.m., the sheriff’s office confirmed that the Ponchatoula Police Department will now lead the investigation. Law enforcement, including TPSO personnel and over a dozen assisting agencies, will remain on-site and actively patrol the area throughout Sunday.
Despite the violence, festival organizers have announced that Sunday’s events will continue as planned, beginning with the 9:00 a.m. church service. However, the festival will close early at 5:00 p.m., instead of the originally scheduled 7:00 p.m.
“We hope those who were planning to visit this event and community Sunday keep those plans,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Please practice patience and respect for all present—especially the hundreds of families with young children just trying to enjoy the beautiful weather at a treasured tradition.”
As the community prays for the recovery of those injured, officials have promised to hold those responsible accountable.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.
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