At least 10 people are dead and over 35 injured, including two police officers, after a mass casualty incident in New Orleans early Wednesday morning. According to New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, a man drove a pickup truck down Bourbon Street at high speed, intentionally targeting pedestrians.
The incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. local time. “The man displayed very intentional behavior and was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” Kirkpatrick said during a press briefing.
Following the crash, the suspect reportedly fired shots from his vehicle, wounding two police officers who are now in stable condition.
The suspect has been reported dead. Authorities are investigating to determine his motive.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the event as a “terrorist attack,” urging residents and visitors to avoid the area.
Contradictory statements emerged later when Alethea Duncan, 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 saying it is investigating the incident “as an act of terrorism.” Duncan also noted that officials discovered at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene.
A law enforcement robot was seen examining the underside of the vehicle, as broadcast by local TV station WDSU.
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident.
Chief Kirkpatrick mentioned that the majority of the victims appear to be locals but could not confirm if any tourists were among them.
A History of Similar Incidents
New Orleans has experienced previous incidents of violence during public festivities. In November 2024, two people were killed and ten others injured in separate shootings along a parade route attended by thousands. In February 2017, a pickup truck driven by an intoxicated man plowed into a crowd at the Mardi Gras parade, injuring over 20 people.
The FBI and local authorities continue to investigate Wednesday’s incident and have urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
Reference(s):
2 officers shot and wounded in New Orleans 'terrorist attack:' police
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