The NOPD today (February 25, 2026) briefed media on some of the statistics compiled from its law enforcement operations during the City of New Orleans’ officially recognized 10-day 2026 Mardi Gras period (February 6-17).

During this time, the NOPD made a total of 185 arrests along all Mardi Gras parade routes in the city. These arrests are broken down as follows:

• 31 felony arrests
• 64 misdemeanor arrests, including fugitive and court capias warrants
• 64 municipal arrests
• One (1) juvenile major offense arrest
• 17 juvenile minor offense arrests
• Eight (8) traffic arrests

Of these 185 arrests, the offenses include:

• Nine (9) narcotics arrests
• 18 weapons arrests
• Six (6) fugitive warrant or court capias arrests
• 16 municipal/traffic attachments
• 60 municipal summonses

These arrests also resulted in confiscation of 11 firearms.

The NOPD thanks its local, state and federal law enforcement partners for their continued assistance during the Mardi Gras period, also included the Louisiana National Guard who assisted with operations in the French Quarter. Our partners’ presence allowed us to maintain many of our officers within the rest of the city for response to calls for service.

GRIP

The GRIP Unit was tasked with patrolling in the area of the St. Charles Avenue parade route. between Calliope Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, due to the historical problems of shootings, stabbings and fights. During the 10-day period of Mardi Gras, GRIP made 34 arrests. Of these arrests, 11 were gun-related arrests:

• One (1) arrest for ‎Illegal carrying of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• One (1) arrest for having a firearm while in possession of narcotics.
• One (1) arrest for possession of machine guns.
• Two (2) juvenile arrest for being in possession of a firearm.
• Six (6) arrests for negligent carrying of a concealed handgun.

Of the 11 gun arrests, two of the guns involved were reported stolen.

On February 16, NOPD’s VCAIT and GRIP officers arrested six subjects on various weapons and narcotics charges. The arrests came in the 2200 block of Philip Street. Detectives confiscated 10 firearms – six handguns and four rifles – as well as a switching device, approximately 5 pounds of marijuana, 174 Tapentadol pills and more than $3,000 in cash. Investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Juveniles

The NOPD’s Juvenile Division also continued its operations during the Mardi Gras period. Between February 1-25, NOPD’s Juvenile Division had 25 total intakes. Of these, the vast majority (24) were males, with the average age being 15. Of this total, 17 subjects were released.

Charges related to these arrests ranged from attempted theft of a motor vehicle, simple criminal damage, possession of a firearm by a juvenile, flight from an officer, possession of stolen property, simple burglary of a vehicle, simple robbery, aggravated assault, second-degree battery, attempted armed robbery with a firearm, aggravated battery by cutting, and possession of illegal drugs.

"We've been told and I agree that Mardi Gras was a resounding success," said Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.  "I'm very proud of the work our NOPD officers did to ensure a safe and enjoyable Mardi Gras for all our residents and visitors to New Orleans!"