Jan. 1 (UPI) — Ten people were killed and 30 were hospitalized in what officials are calling a terrorist attack in New Orleans during the early hours of New Year’s Day when a suspect slammed a pickup truck into pedestrians.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the incident in the crowded and iconic French Quarter as an intentional act by a man who she accused of being “hellbent” of hitting as many people as possible at about 3:15 a.m. on New Year’s morning.
Local authorities said the suspect in the incident was shot dead after he exited his vehicle and opened fire at police. Two NOPD officers were struck and injured in the exchange, both of whom were transported via ambulance o a local hospital and were last listed in stable condition.
The FBI said in a statement it is investigating the incident as a act of terrorism.
“This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others,” the agency said. “The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.”
Authorities said it appears mostly locals were harmed in the incident, but some of the casualties included tourists.
Police said the suspect drove around established barricades and drove at a high rate of speed into the heart of the French Quarter at Bourbon and Canal streets.
The FBI told reporters earlier that an improvised explosive device was found at the scene but did not elaborate.
Thirty victims were taken to five different hospitals. Police said a total of 35 people were injured in the attack.
While New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident a terrorist attack.
The White House said President Joe Biden called Cantrell Wednesday morning “to offer full federal support following the horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight.”
The president has “been briefed on the latest developments by senior FBI and [Department of Homeland Security] leadership and his homeland security team, and he will continue to be briefed on this incident throughout the day,” the official statement said.
New Orleans is one of the country’s top tourist destinations during the holiday season and will be hosting the Sugar Bowl football game at the Superdome on Wednesday, which attracts thousands to the city annually.
This is a developing story. Please check back for further updates.
