A New Year’s celebration in New Orleans was tragically interrupted when a car slammed into a crowd of revelers, killing 10 and injuring dozens more.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Bourbon Street, when a suspect rammed into a crowd, killing 10, New Orleans police said at a Wednesday morning press conference.
More than 30 others were injured in the attack and have been transported to local hospitals to receive treatment.
Authorities have urged locals to steer clear of Bourbon Street as an investigation continues. The FBI is now investigating the incident “as an act of terrorism.”
Here’s everything we know about the tragedy.
What happened?
The suspect, who has not been identified, exhibited “very intentional behavior” when he plowed into a crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street around 3 a.m. Wednesday morning, just hours into the new year, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said at a press conference. “This man was trying to run over as many people as he could,” she said.
After crashing his vehicle, the suspect fired off his weapon at police officers, striking two. Both officers are in stable condition and are receiving medical treatment, Kirkpatrick said.
As of Wednesday morning’s press conference, 10 people have died and more than 30 were injured. Most of the wounded individuals were taken to University Medical Center, while others were sent to Touro Hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital, Ochsner Medical Center Jefferson Campus, or Ochsner Baptist Campus, police said.
Most victims appeared to be locals, not tourists, police said.
“He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” Kirkpatrick added.
An improvised explosive device was found at the scene, according to the FBI, which has taken over the case.
“There were improvised explosive devices that was found, and we are working on confirming if it’s a viable device or not,” Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan said at the press conference.
While New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the mass killing as a “terrorist attack,” the FBI said it wasn’t a terrorist event.
The mayor also said she had been in contact with the White House.
Early on Wednesday, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the attack in a post on X: “A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene.”
Both the governor and the FBI have urged locals to avoid Bourbon Street.
Who is the driver?
The suspect has not been identified, but police have suggested the perpetrator acted intentionally.
The FBI confirmed that the suspect is dead after engaging with police.
“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 FBI said in a statement on Wednesday morning. “The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased.”
What was the motive?
The motive behind the mass killing is not yet known. The FBI said it is investigating the incident “as an act of terrorism.”
In its statement, the agency said: “The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.”
What condition are the victims in?
The condition of the dozens of civilian victims is not immediately clear.
The two officers who were struck by gunfire were in stable condition and are being treated, Kirkpatrick said.
