The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is under fire after initially asserting that the truck-ramming attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans — leaving at least ten dead and over two dozen more injured — was “not a terrorist event.”
Local police responded to the incident at 3:17 a.m., as a suspect drove a vehicle through a crowd of New Year’s revelers before opening fire. The FBI confirmed the suspect was fatally shot by police.
However, the FBI is coming under fire for initially stating that the attack was “not a terrorist event” — a real head scratcher, particularly given that the agency admitted that there were “improvised explosive devices” involved as well.
“This is not a terrorist event. What it is right now is there improvised explosive devices that was found, and we are working on confirming if this is a viable device or not,” the FBI said initially.
“As Chief Kirkpatrick said, we’re asking everyone to stay away from Bourbon Street,” the FBI continued, sparking confusion.
This is bizarre.
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) January 1, 2025
The Assistant Special Agent in Charge of FBI New Orleans says the Bourbon Street attack was not a terrorist event, then announces Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were found at the scene. pic.twitter.com/bG6GEkAX0K
Can we at least get an FBI agent that speaks proper english?
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) January 1, 2025
“There were improvised explosive devices that was found”
Don’t even get me started on the fact she’s saying this wasn’t terrorism when he drove through a crowd, got out and shot people, and had bombs
🤡 operation https://t.co/ETPZKan5gT
BREAKING: The FBI states that the New Orleans mass casualty incident is “not a terrorist event” and “improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that was found” and the FBI is working to confirm if it’s a “viable” device or not.
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) January 1, 2025
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick confirms there… pic.twitter.com/4sJTnkJSsK
"This isn't a terrorist attack. We just happened to find improvised explosive devices at the crime scene."
— Josiah Lippincott (@jlippincott_) January 1, 2025
wtf https://t.co/3LzyDByXg2
That contradicts the official statement from the FBI, which has since stated that it is “working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.”
Statement from the FBI on the situation in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/B3TskTJyUc
— FBI (@FBI) January 1, 2025
President Joe Biden also confirmed this in a statement, which read in part, “The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism.”
This story is developing.