Two police officers are in stable condition after being shot during a mass casualty incident in New Orleans early Wednesday morning. The incident has left at least 10 people dead and over 35 others injured, according to Chief Anne Kirkpatrick of the New Orleans Police Department.
At approximately 3:15 a.m. local time, a man drove a pickup truck down Bourbon Street at high speed, displaying “very intentional behavior” and “trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” Chief Kirkpatrick told reporters at a press briefing.
Following the vehicular attack, the suspect fired shots from his vehicle, wounding two police officers. The officers are currently receiving medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
Uncertainty Over Terrorism Classification
Mayor LaToya Cantrell initially described the incident as a “terrorist attack” while urging residents and visitors to avoid the area. However, Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, later stated that the incident was “not a terrorist attack.”
The FBI subsequently issued a statement indicating that the bureau is investigating the incident “as an act of terrorism.” Duncan confirmed that officials are examining at least one suspected improvised explosive device discovered at the scene.
Local media outlet WDSU broadcasted footage of a law enforcement robot inspecting the underside of the suspect’s vehicle.
The attacker has been reported dead. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the incident.
Affected Community and Response
Chief Kirkpatrick noted that the majority of the victims appeared to be local residents, though she was uncertain how many tourists were among those affected.
The White House released a statement confirming that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation.
History of Similar Incidents
New Orleans has experienced previous incidents involving vehicles driving into crowds and shootings during public events. In November 2024, two people were killed and ten others injured in two separate shootings along a parade route. In February 2017, over 20 people were injured when a pickup truck plowed into spectators watching the Mardi Gras parade, driven by a man who police said appeared to be highly intoxicated.
Reference(s):
2 officers shot and wounded in New Orleans 'terrorist attack:' police
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