A devastating incident on New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street during the early hours of New Year’s Day has left 10 people dead and 35 injured. Authorities are investigating the event, which involved a vehicle ramming into a large crowd, as well as the discovery of suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the scene.
The tragedy unfolded when a man driving a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of New Year’s revelers on Canal and Bourbon Streets. According to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the suspect acted with deliberate intent, attempting to “run over as many people as he possibly could.” Following the crash, the driver fired a weapon at police officers, injuring two who are now in stable condition.
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“This man was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” Kirkpatrick said.
The suspect is reported dead, and officials have not released further details about his identity or motive.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident a “terrorist attack” during a press conference, emphasizing the intentionality of the driver’s actions.
However, FBI Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan stated that the incident is “not a terrorist attack” based on current information. Duncan confirmed the discovery of at least one suspected IED at the scene but noted that investigators are working to determine its viability.
The mass casualty event left 10 dead and 30 injured, with victims transported to multiple local hospitals, including University Medical Center, Ochsner Baptist, and Tulane Medical Center. Superintendent Kirkpatrick noted that the number of injured may rise as more information becomes available.
“This is a very tragic situation,” Kirkpatrick said. “We have ten people that this man killed on Bourbon Street.”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the event as a “horrific act of violence” and urged the public to pray for the victims and first responders. “Please join Sharon and me in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene,” Landry said in a statement. “I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.”
Authorities have advised residents and tourists to stay away from Bourbon Street while the investigation continues.
Despite the tragedy, officials urged residents and visitors to continue their planned activities in the city. Superintendent Kirkpatrick assured the public that other events, such as the Sugar Bowl game at the Superdome, would remain secure.
“This is a resilient city, and we will get through this,” Kirkpatrick said, encouraging residents and tourists to “continue enjoying” New Orleans.
The FBI has taken over the investigation, with a focus on determining the suspect’s motive and the potential threat posed by the IEDs found at the scene. Kirkpatrick emphasized the complexity of the case, stating, “This was not a case of drunk driving but something more complex and serious based on the information we have right now.”
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