A shocking act of violence unfolded Tuesday afternoon inside the Iberville Parish Courthouse in Plaquemine, Louisiana, after gunfire erupted during what authorities described as a suspect interview. The courthouse, a place typically associated with justice and order, was suddenly transformed into a scene of chaos and fear.
The incident occurred inside an interview room where law enforcement officials were questioning a suspect in connection with an ongoing investigation. Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots echoing through the courthouse halls, prompting immediate panic among staff, attorneys, and visitors.
According to early reports, the suspect somehow managed to gain control of a firearm or smuggle one into the secured area, though investigators are still piecing together how the weapon entered the building. The sound of gunfire sent deputies and courthouse personnel rushing for cover as security protocols were swiftly activated.
Emergency responders from the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office and local paramedics arrived within minutes of the initial shots. Law enforcement quickly secured the courthouse and evacuated non-essential personnel. Streets surrounding the building were temporarily closed as officers worked to contain the situation and ensure that no other threats remained.
Sheriff’s deputies confirmed that at least one individual was injured during the exchange. The identity of the victim has not yet been released pending notification of family members. Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect was wounded or taken into custody but stated that the threat to the public has since been neutralized.
The courthouse was placed on lockdown for several hours as investigators conducted a meticulous sweep of the premises. Dozens of evidence markers were placed across the floor near the interview area, and shell casings were recovered for ballistic testing. Forensic teams began processing the scene as witnesses were escorted out for questioning.
Officials with the Louisiana State Police and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office are now leading a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Their focus includes determining how the firearm made it into a restricted area and whether additional security lapses contributed to the event.
As news of the courthouse shooting spread throughout Plaquemine, residents expressed shock and disbelief. The Iberville Parish Courthouse, a historic landmark known for its civic importance, rarely experiences incidents of this nature. Local leaders have already called for a review of courthouse security policies to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have been inside the courthouse at the time of the shooting to come forward. Meanwhile, grief and concern hang heavy over the community as officials work to uncover the motive behind the violence that shattered a day of routine judicial proceedings.
