The suspect in the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, which left at least 10 dead and 35 injured, used a Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck to carry out the horrific act. The vehicle’s significant weight, largely due to its massive battery pack, may have contributed to the extent of the carnage.
The Ford F-150 Lightning, the electric version of the popular F-150, weighs approximately 6,500 pounds—over 1,000 pounds more than its gasoline-powered counterpart. This additional weight is primarily due to the battery pack, which alone weighs around 1,800 pounds.
READ: New Details Emerge In New Orleans Attack: Vehicle Traced To Border Crossing In Texas
The added weight of the electric truck made it a particularly devastating weapon in the suspect’s attack, as the force of a moving vehicle increases with its mass.
The significant weight difference between the Lightning and traditional F-150 models is attributed to the size and capacity of its battery pack, which is essential for powering the truck.
- Ford F-150 Lightning Weight: ~6,500 pounds
- Traditional Ford F-150 Weight: 4,021 to 5,014 pounds
The heavy electric truck’s added mass likely amplified the devastation when the suspect intentionally drove it into a crowded area on Bourbon Street. The truck’s sheer weight, combined with its speed, resulted in catastrophic consequences.
READ: New Orleans Attack Investigated As An Act Of Terrorism: FBI Takes Lead In Investigation
The FBI is leading the investigation, treating the attack as an act of terrorism. The vehicle was reportedly traced crossing into the United States at Eagle Pass, Texas, on November 16, 2024. Investigators are working to confirm whether the suspect was the individual driving the truck at the border crossing.
Authorities have also recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the scene and are working to determine their viability.
The tragedy has prompted swift responses from officials, with President Joe Biden and Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy offering condolences and pledging justice. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson labeled the attack “an act of pure evil” and called for accountability.
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