At least 10 people have been reported dead, with more than 30 others injured following a tragic incident in New Orleans during early New Year’s celebrations. The City of New Orleans has confirmed these casualty figures, stating that a vehicle intentionally drove into a crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street, resulting in what Mayor LaToya Cantrell described as a “terrorist attack.”
In a statement on its website, the city acknowledged that the incident involved a mass casualty event where a vehicle plowed into a large gathering of people. Additionally, the suspect behind the wheel of the vehicle not only crashed into the crowd but also opened fire on two police officers at the scene.
Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the presence of multiple suspected improvised explosive devices that are believed to be connected to the attack. The FBI has cautioned the public to steer clear of the area as investigations continue to unfold, emphasizing the need for caution in light of the potential threat posed by these devices.
According to a federal law enforcement official speaking to NBC News, the suspect is believed to have been neutralized. President Biden has been briefed on the unfolding situation, as confirmed by a White House official. Mayor Cantrell underscored the severity of the attack, emphasizing that the city was indeed impacted by an intentional act of terrorism.
Anne Kirkpatrick, the superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, shed light on the suspect’s deliberate actions, noting that the individual had driven a pickup truck along Bourbon Street with the clear intention of causing mass casualties. Kirkpatrick highlighted the suspect’s evasion of traffic barricades and his focused determination to inflict harm, stating that the individual was driven by a malevolent intent to sow chaos and destruction.
The injured victims, including the two police officers, are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals. Kirkpatrick emphasized that the officers are in stable condition, while the extent of injuries among the other victims varied. Preliminary assessments suggest that the majority of the victims are locals rather than tourists, reflecting the impact of the attack on the city’s residents.
Contrary to Mayor Cantrell’s classification of the incident as a terrorist attack, FBI Special Agent Alethea Duncan has expressed a more cautious stance, refraining from labeling the event as such. Duncan clarified that the investigation is ongoing and that the nature of the incident is still being thoroughly examined.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the attack as a “horrific act of violence,” offering prayers for the victims affected by the tragedy. The incident took place in the vibrant French Quarter, specifically Bourbon Street, known for its bustling nightlife and popular tourist attractions. Footage captured by witnesses and shared on social media showcased the significant police presence on Bourbon Street and Canal Street in the aftermath of the incident.
Local authorities had anticipated a busy New Year’s celebration, prompting the New Orleans Police Department to deploy additional resources, including an extra 300 officers to ensure public safety.
