National Guard soldier accidentally shoots fellow soldier in chest, source says

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) - A National Guard soldier accidentally shot another soldier on Tuesday at Jackson Barracks in Louisiana, according to a source.

The New Orleans Police Department dispatched several units to the scene at 6:56 p.m. A police spokesperson confirmed a man sustained a gunshot wound.

An initial report obtained by Fox 8 from a source indicated that a man was shot in the chest and officials were trying to control the bleeding.

The initial report said a 911 caller reported that soldiers were mishandling a weapon and did not realize the weapon was loaded when it was fired.

Authorities said a wounded soldier was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment, but did not disclose the soldier’s condition.

National Guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins said, “There is no threat to anyone or anything on the Jackson Barracks Louisiana National Guard property.”

The shooting is under investigation. It is not clear whether anyone has been charged.