Shreveport police say arrest warrant issued after racialized parade incident; council praises rapid response

Chief Smith told the Shreveport City Council on Jan. 13 that investigators "immediately began to investigate this incident upon learning about it, primarily through social media," and said he was confident an arrest warrant had been obtained and the person responsible "should be surrendering" when he spoke.

Council members described the incident — shown in widely circulated video footage — as "disenchanting" and "not our city" and praised the police department for what they characterized as a swift response. Chief Smith said charges in the case included public intoxication and simple battery.

Several council members urged a mix of law-enforcement follow-up and community responsibility. Council members also discussed public-safety logistics for large events, including staffing and vehicle support, and thanked mutual-aid partners (including Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police) for assistance at the parade.

The city manager and police chief said the department had relied on publicly posted video to identify persons involved and that the investigation remains ongoing. No trial dates, arrest names, or court filings were announced during the meeting.

The council did not take a legislative action on the matter at the Jan. 13 meeting; Chief Smith said the police were continuing to investigate and that he hoped justice would be served "immediately." The city said it would update the public as formal charges and court actions are filed.