Elderly Grandmother Speaks Out After Mardi Gras Altercation, Calls for Accountability and Justice

SHREVEPORT, La. (BuzzReport) — A 69-year-old Shreveport woman has become the focus of national attention following a disturbing altercation during a Mardi Gras parade that has sparked outrage, calls for justice, and renewed conversations about respect, public safety, and the protection of elders.

Deborah Church is speaking publicly for the first time after an incident that occurred on Feb. 7, 2026, along the route of the Krewe of Centaur parade. Video and eyewitness accounts of the confrontation quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread condemnation.

INCIDENT DETAILS

According to Church and her family, the confrontation began when another group of paradegoers verbally accosted them, claiming they had reserved space along the parade route. The exchange escalated, culminating in beer being poured on Church and her grandchildren.

Family members say the incident unfolded in full view of the children, who attempted to protect their grandmother as tensions rose.

PRESS CONFERENCE AND LEGAL RESPONSE

A press conference was held Sunday, Feb. 16, at Living Hope of New Zion Baptist Church, where Church addressed the community and outlined her demands for accountability.

Standing beside her was attorney Jenetrell Oliver of Oliver & Watkins Legacy Law Firm, who also serves as Chair of Legal Redress for the Shreveport NAACP.

Oliver announced that the family is calling for upgraded charges against those involved, citing Church’s age and the presence of minor children.

“We are demanding that the correct charges be applied in this matter,” Oliver said. “We are calling for battery of a person with infirmities, as well as a separate simple battery charge for the minor child who had beer poured on her while she was attempting to defend her grandmother.”

Oliver emphasized that Louisiana law recognizes heightened protections for elderly individuals and said accountability is essential to deter similar incidents in the future.

COMMUNITY PILLAR AND PERSONAL IMPACT

Church is widely regarded as a pillar in her neighborhood, often described as an adoptive grandmother to many children in the community. Supporters say her character and lifelong service stand in sharp contrast to the events that unfolded that day.

Leaning on her faith, Church spoke with quiet resolve.

“I may have looked like I stood alone, but the angels of God were right there with me,” she said. “Now I seek accountability.”

Church says the emotional toll has been heavy, particularly on her grandchildren, who were left shaken after witnessing the incident.

“The situation has deeply affected me and my family,” she said. “But we’re going to get through this.”

CALL FOR UNITY AND JUSTICE

As the investigation continues, community leaders and civil rights advocates are urging law enforcement and prosecutors to act decisively. Church and her supporters say the case is not only about accountability, but also about dignity, respect, and ensuring public events remain safe for families and elders alike.

“This is bigger than one incident,” Oliver said. “It’s about how we treat one another and how we protect those who deserve our care the most.”