In the early hours of Wednesday, a devastating attack struck the southern U.S. city of New Orleans, leaving at least ten people dead and over 35 injured. According to Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, a man drove a pickup truck down Bourbon Street at high speed around 3:15 a.m. local time, displaying “very intentional behavior” as he attempted to “run over as many people as he possibly could.”
During the chaotic incident, the suspect fired shots from his vehicle, wounding two police officers who are now in stable condition. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
While appealing for the public to avoid the area, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the event as a “terrorist attack.” However, shortly after, Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, stated that the incident was “not a terrorist attack.” The FBI later issued a statement indicating they are investigating the incident “as an act of terrorism.”
Law enforcement officials also reported discovering at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene. Footage from local TV station WDSU showed a law enforcement robot examining the underside of the vehicle involved in the attack. The suspect has been reported dead, and authorities are working diligently to uncover his motive.
“We are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence,” Chief Kirkpatrick said during a press briefing. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we are committed to bringing all relevant facts to light.”
This tragic event adds to a history of similar incidents in New Orleans, where past parades have been marred by shootings and vehicles colliding with crowds. In November 2024, two separate shootings along a parade route resulted in two deaths and ten injuries. In February 2017, over 20 people were injured when a highly intoxicated driver plowed into a crowd of spectators during the main Mardi Gras parade.
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident. As the investigation continues, residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and follow guidance from local authorities.
Reference(s):
2 officers shot and wounded in New Orleans 'terrorist attack:' police
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