At least 10 people were killed, more than 30 injured and police officers in New Orleans early Wednesday morning when a car intentionally drove into a crowd during a New Year’s celebration, in what police called a “terrorist attack” by the mayor. Two people were shot dead.
The city of New Orleans confirmed the death toll in a statement on its website, saying people were injured in a “mass casualty incident caused by a vehicle plowing into a large crowd at Canal Street and Bourbon Street.”
Police said the suspect crashed the vehicle and then fired shots at two officers. Authorities are also investigating multiple suspected improvised explosive devices in connection with the attack. The FBI said it was unclear whether they were actually explosives, but urged the public to avoid the area.
A federal law enforcement official told NBC News that the suspect is believed to be dead.
President Biden has been briefed on the attack, a White House official said.
“We know the city of New Orleans has been impacted by a terrorist attack,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell said at a news conference, adding that she was in contact with the White House.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the suspect intentionally drove his pickup truck along Bourbon Street with the intent of causing mass casualties.
Kirkpatrick said his “deliberate mindset” led the suspect to swerve around barricades set up to stop traffic from entering Bourbon Street, adding that he was “carnage”. I was desperate to wake up the situation,” he added.
“This guy was trying to run over as many people as possible. It wasn’t a drunk-driving situation,” she said.
Dozens of injured people were being treated at local hospitals, and two injured police officers were said to be in stable condition.
Mr Kirkpatrick said it was unclear how many of the victims were locals, while Mr Barr said preliminary information indicated “the majority appear to be locals rather than tourists”.
Contrary to the mayor’s use of the term, FBI Special Agent Alecia Duncan, who is taking over the investigation, said, “This is not a terrorist incident.” Federal law enforcement officials said the incident was being investigated as a possible act of terrorism and that special agents were acting on caution.
In a post on X, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called the incident a “horrific act of violence” and said he prayed for the victims.
The French Quarter’s historic Bourbon Street, a popular tourist destination lined with bars and restaurants, was expected to be crowded throughout the night.
Footage taken by onlookers and uploaded to social media showed a heavy police presence on Bourbon Street and Canal Street.
Police said Tuesday that the city is expected to be crowded as locals and tourists celebrate the new year. The New Orleans Police Department has announced that it will increase its staffing level to 100% and draft an additional 300 officers to maintain public order.
This is a story in development. Check back soon for updates.
