At least 10 people were killed and more than 35 injured after a driver rammed his truck into a crowd and then fired at police on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
The incident took place during New Year’s celebrations early on Wednesday morning. The FBI is investigating the event as “an act of terrorism,” reported Reuters.
Intentional Action
In a televised press conference, Police Chief, Anne Kirkpatrick, said: “This man was trying to run over as many people as he could. He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”
Bourbon Street is located in New Orleans’ French Quarter. It is a popular tourist destination that draws a large number of visitors. The accident took place at 3:15 am during the New Year’s celebrations. It happened hours before The Sugar Bowl, an annual American college football game played in New Orleans each New Year’s Day. The game attracts a large number of fans.
Perpetrator Killed
Kirkpatrick added that the driver shot at police, hitting two officers, but they are in a stable condition. More than 300 officers were on duty at the time of the incident, she noted.
The driver was killed in a shootout with the police. New Orleans City Councilman, Oliver Thomas, said: “We know the perpetrator has been killed.” The driver’s identity has not been revealed.
Suspected Terror Act
Commenting on the incident, New Orleans Mayor, LaToya Cantrell, called it a “terrorist attack.” However, the FBI official, Alethea Duncan, said: “This is not a terrorist event.” Later, the FBI said in a statement: “We are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.”
Statement from the FBI on the situation in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/B3TskTJyUc
— FBI (@FBI) January 1, 2025
Duncan added that they found suspected improvised explosive devices. “There were improvised explosive devices that was found, and we are working on confirming if it’s a viable device or not,” the FBI official said.
