Shoppers at a Walmart in Baker, Louisiana, were surprised last week when four men rode horses through the store, prompting a mix of reactions from onlookers. A video of the incident shows the mounted riders navigating the aisles without concern for employees or customers.
The four individuals involved now face charges including disturbing the peace. One of the accused, Brendon Bridgewater, acknowledged the attention their antics garnered, stating, “We do certain things, and everyone’s watching.” He emphasized the importance of public visibility in their activities.
However, a new Louisiana law prohibits individuals from sharing images or videos of criminal acts for the purpose of gaining notoriety. As a result, the suspects were charged with unlawful posting of criminal activity, along with charges of entering and remaining after being forbidden, and disturbing the peace, according to Baker Police Chief Carl Dunn.
Bridgewater claimed his horse served as an emotional support animal, while fellow suspect Mason Webb expressed that the group's visit was spontaneous. “We just went in there and rode,” Webb explained. He referred to their group as the Cutthroat Cowboys and insisted that their intentions were harmless.
Videos capturing the incident have since gained significant online traction, with mixed viewer responses ranging from amusement to concern for the horses' welfare. While one shopper reacted with surprise, saying, “Oh, hell no,” others laughed, indicating a lack of panic.
Walmart has previously been the site of various unusual incidents, but a nonviolent event such as this one is perceived as relatively benign in comparison. A spokesperson for Walmart expressed appreciation for the Baker Police Department’s quick action regarding the incident, labeling it a senseless prank.
As of now, attempts to reach the other suspects have been unsuccessful. They remain unresponsive, possibly having left the area.