A devastating incident unfolded in New Orleans early Wednesday morning when a driver deliberately crashed a pickup truck into New Year’s celebrants on Bourbon Street, resulting in 10 fatalities and 30 injuries. Law enforcement officials have confirmed the suspect is deceased.
Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick reported that the driver, showing clear intent, maneuvered around security barricades at high speed and opened fire on police officers, wounding two who are now in stable condition. “This perpetrator was determined to create maximum damage,” Kirkpatrick stated, emphasizing that impairment was not a factor.
The FBI has assumed control of the investigation after potential explosive devices were discovered in the vehicle. FBI Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan confirmed they are evaluating the devices’ viability, with a bomb disposal robot deployed at the scene.
Most victims appear to be local residents rather than tourists, according to preliminary information. The injured have been distributed across five local medical facilities: University Medical Center, Touro Hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital, and two Ochsner facilities.
The incident occurred amid New Year’s celebrations in the historic French Quarter, where crowds had gathered for concerts and festivities. The area was particularly busy due to preparations for Wednesday’s Sugar Bowl game between Georgia and Notre Dame.
Despite enhanced security measures, including 300 additional officers and drone surveillance implemented for the holiday and Sugar Bowl events, the driver managed to breach barriers. Mayor LaToya Cantrell has ordered an eight-block evacuation around Bourbon Street while investigations continue.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos. Kevin Garcia, 22, reported seeing “a truck slamming into everyone” and hearing gunfire, while Whit Davis from Shreveport recounted the ensuing panic and lockdown at a nearby nightclub.
President Biden, currently in Wilmington, Delaware, has been briefed on the situation, and the White House has offered support to Mayor Cantrell. While the mayor characterized the incident as a terrorist attack, FBI officials have contested this classification, though the motive remains under investigation.
