A white pickup truck plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter early Wednesday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens of others in what the mayor described as a “terrorist attack.”
According to CBS News, the driver exited the vehicle, slamming into people celebrating New Year’s Day, and began firing a weapon. Law enforcement reportedly returned fire. Two police officers were shot and are in stable condition. The FBI has taken over the investigation.
Mayor Cantrell calling this a terrorist attack. Happened at 3:15 am New Years Day. Man driving pickup at a very fast pace intentionally to hit as many people as he could @FOX8NOLA
— Meg Gatto (@MegGattoFOX8) January 1, 2025
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the situation a “terrorist attack,” however, moments later, an FBI spokesperson said it was not a terrorist event. Authorities said the situation appeared to be intentional. It is unclear if the driver has been taken into custody.
City officials said the vehicle drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street around 3:15 am. At least 26 individuals were transported to hospitals with injuries. A witness told CBS that the white truck slammed through a barricade “at a high rate of speed.”
Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry took to social media requesting prayers for the victims and first responders, describing the situation as “a horrific act of violence.”
A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning.
Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene.
I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 1, 2025
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