At least 10 people were killed and 30 or more injured after a truck intentionally drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter during New Year’s Eve celebrations early on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 3:15 AM when the driver deliberately accelerated into a crowd, hitting pedestrians at high speed. Police said the driver appeared determined to cause as much harm as possible.
Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick stated at a news conference that the driver fired at officers and struck two police officers after the vehicle crashed. She emphasized that the driver was “hell bent on creating carnage and damage.”
Investigators found a suspected improvised explosive device at the scene. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is handling the investigation, and authorities are working to confirm if the device is viable.
Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, condemned the horrific act of violence and urged people to avoid the area where the attack took place. The injured have been taken to multiple hospitals across the city.
