New Orleans, Louisiana (WE) — Tragedy struck the heart of New Orleans’ vibrant French Quarter in the early hours of New Year’s Day as a driver rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers, killing ten people and leaving more than 30 others injured. Authorities have classified the incident as an “act of terrorism,” with the FBI taking the lead in the investigation. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was fatally shot in a confrontation with police shortly after the attack.
The chaos unfolded at approximately 3:15 a.m. along Bourbon Street near Canal Street, a popular hub bustling with holiday celebrations. Eyewitness accounts describe the sheer horror as the truck careened through the throngs of people. Police and emergency services quickly responded to the scene, which was left strewn with debris and bodies.
Investigation Underway
FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan revealed that investigators are examining the possibility of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the site. While no explosives were confirmed as of Wednesday morning, law enforcement officials conducted extensive searches of the area, including nearby trash cans, to eliminate any potential threats.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as a deliberate act of mass violence. “This was intentional. The driver was hell-bent on creating as much carnage as possible,” Kirkpatrick said during a press conference. According to authorities, the driver exited the vehicle after it came to a stop and opened fire on officers. Police returned fire, ultimately killing the suspect.
Two responding officers sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange and are currently in stable condition. Their injuries add to the grim tally of victims—33 individuals were injured in the attack, many of whom remain hospitalized.
City in Mourning
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident a “terrorist attack” and expressed her condolences to the victims and their families. “This senseless act has shaken our city to its core,” Cantrell stated. “As we work to piece together the details, our hearts are with those whose lives have been forever changed.”
The attack comes at a time when New Orleans is typically abuzz with holiday festivities and tourists. Tens of thousands of college football fans were also in town for the Sugar Bowl playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame, scheduled for Wednesday evening at the nearby Superdome. Although the stadium was briefly placed on lockdown, officials confirmed the game would proceed as planned. Both universities issued statements expressing their sympathies and pledged support to law enforcement efforts.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses to the horrifying scene described the mayhem and panic that ensued. Kevin Garcia, 22, recounted to CNN how he saw the truck plowing into pedestrians on the crowded sidewalk. “A body came flying at me,” Garcia said, visibly shaken.
Whit Davis, who was leaving a nightclub at the time, described the confusion as patrons were hurriedly evacuated. “When they finally let us out, police were shouting for us to leave the area quickly. I saw several bodies and people receiving first aid,” Davis recalled.
Derick Fleming, a hotel bellhop working nearby, described the aftermath as “pandemonium.” “There were bodies on the ground, some covered, some not. Police were everywhere, searching for bombs in trash cans,” Fleming said.
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National Response
President Joe Biden addressed the tragedy in a written statement, labeling the attack as “horrific” and pledging full federal support for the investigation. “My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. Violence like this has no place in our society, and we will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served,” Biden said.
The attack marks the latest in a series of incidents worldwide where vehicles have been used as weapons. These events underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing such attacks, which are often carried out with little warning and devastating effect.
A Pattern of Violence
Vehicle-based attacks have increasingly been used to inflict mass casualties. Recent examples include the deadly assault on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, last month, where a Saudi national drove into a crowd, killing five. Similarly, the 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade in Wisconsin saw six lives lost when an SUV plowed through participants and spectators.
MASS CASUALTY EVENT: Another vehicular mass casualty event has been reported, this one in New Orleans. Dozens have been injured and killed. More to follow in this thread.
— @amuse (@amuse) January 1, 2025
h/t: @rawsalerts pic.twitter.com/ky0GIxF6Ql
In the United States, one of the most infamous vehicle attacks occurred in 2017 when an extremist used a truck to kill eight people on a Manhattan bike path. That same year, a white nationalist drove into counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, killing one and injuring dozens more.
Questions Remain
While the FBI has confirmed that the New Orleans suspect is deceased, many questions about the incident remain unanswered. Officials have not disclosed the driver’s identity or any potential motives. “This is an ongoing investigation,” an FBI spokesperson said, emphasizing the need for patience as authorities piece together the evidence.
As for the victims, their conditions vary widely. Emergency services transported the injured to five local hospitals, where medical teams are working tirelessly to provide care. Families of the deceased and injured are left grappling with the sudden loss and uncertainty.
Community Resilience
Despite the tragic events, the people of New Orleans are rallying together in solidarity. Vigils are being organized to honor the victims, and support services are being mobilized for those affected. “This city has faced adversity before, and we will rise again,” Mayor Cantrell affirmed.
For a city synonymous with celebration and resilience, the events of New Year’s Day serve as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities worldwide. As the investigation unfolds, one thing remains clear: the spirit of New Orleans will endure, even in the face of unspeakable tragedy.