New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the tragic incident on Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning as a “terrorist attack” during a news conference, following reports of a driver intentionally plowing into a crowd of New Year’s revelers.
At least 10 people were confirmed dead, and approximately 30 others were injured when the driver rammed his vehicle into the crowd and began shooting at police officers from inside the car as it crashed.
The FBI reported that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found at the scene, though investigators are still working to determine if the devices are viable.
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Authorities have urged the public to avoid Bourbon Street while the investigation continues.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that the driver, who was in a pickup truck, intentionally struck pedestrians at a high speed. “It was very intentional behavior,” she said, adding that the suspect fired a gun at police officers during the attack, injuring two.
The officers are now reported to be in stable condition. Kirkpatrick stated, “This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could.”
The police chief emphasized that the incident was not the result of drunk driving but was “more complex and more serious based on the information we have right now.”
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect, and his current status remains unclear. The FBI has taken over the investigation into the incident.
As of the latest reports, 26 individuals were taken to University Medical Center (UMC) hospital, four were transported to Ochsner Baptist, and one person was sent to Tulane Medical Center for treatment.
The number of injured victims may be higher, as additional people were likely taken to other hospitals, according to police.
“I think this is a very tragic situation for me to tell you that we have ten people that this man killed on Bourbon Street,” Kirkpatrick stated, conveying the seriousness of the attack.
🚨#BREAKING: The Mayor of New Orleans calls the New Year’s Day incident a terrorist attack after a pickup truck plowed into a crowd followed by gunfire leaving 12 dead with Improvised explosive device being discovered ⁰⁰📌#NewOrleans l #Louisiana
Just moments ago, during a… pic.twitter.com/vOehS5k9wY
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 1, 2025
Despite the devastating events, Chief Kirkpatrick urged both residents and tourists to continue enjoying the city, particularly noting that the Superdome would remain safe for the Sugar Bowl football game between the University of Georgia and Notre Dame on New Year’s Day.
The situation on Bourbon Street remains under investigation as authorities work to gather more information about the motive behind the attack and the suspect’s actions.
The FBI is leading the investigation, with local law enforcement assisting in the ongoing effort to piece together the details of the horrific event.
Original article below:
At least 10 people are confirmed dead, and approximately 30 others are injured after a driver of an SUV reportedly plowed into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve on one of New Orleans’ busiest streets, according to DailyMail.
The incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. local time on January 1, 2025, at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville Street.
Witnesses to the tragic event have shared disturbing accounts on social media.
Several individuals described the driver as wearing full body armor and allegedly carrying an assault rifle.
While the New Orleans Police Department has not yet officially confirmed the number of fatalities, local news outlets, citing sources within the department, indicate that as many as 10 people may have died.
The number of injuries is also unclear, but one investigator informed WLWT that as many as 26 individuals could be wounded.
In response to the incident, a significant police presence was seen at the scene.
Dozens of officers quickly arrived, and a portion of the road was cordoned off.
Report: 10 Dead, 30 Injured After Driver Plows Into Bourbon Street NYE Celebration
At least 10 people are confirmed dead, and approximately 30 others are injured after a driver of an SUV reportedly plowed into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve on one of New Orleans’ busiest… pic.twitter.com/D66SwRo7fn
— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 1, 2025
Emergency responders, including paramedics, ambulances, and vehicles from the coroner’s office, were also on-site, working to manage the situation.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and harrowing scene as authorities attempted to control the situation.
One man, who claimed to be a witness at the scene while on Bourbon Street with his wife, posted on social media, describing the SUV as “speeding” down the street and “running people over.”
Another witness, speaking with WLWT, recalled seeing the vehicle strike the crowd before running for safety.
She stated that she escaped “by the grace of God” and reported that multiple officers had opened fire on the vehicle in an attempt to stop the driver.
🚨#BREAKING: A major mass casualty event has been declared after numerous people were killed when a pick up truck plowed into a crowd followed by gunfire leaving dozens more injured⁰⁰📌#NewOrleans l #Louisiana
Currently, there is a significant emergency response as officials… pic.twitter.com/LLHdauALdw
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 1, 2025
Bourbon Street, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and bustling bars and clubs, has been shut down while law enforcement continues their investigation into the incident.
As of now, local authorities have not released additional details, and the New Orleans Police Department has been contacted for further information.
The incident has left the city shaken as authorities work to determine the full scope of the attack and the motivations behind it.
Investigations are ongoing, and more updates are expected as details emerge.
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