10 People Dead

NEW ORLEANS La January 1, 2024

Police and federal authorities say that at least 10 people are dead, and 30 others are injured after a pickup truck plowed through a crowd in New Orleans’ French Quarter early New Year’s Day.

The incident happened around 3 a.m. Wednesday at the corner of Canal and Bourbon Streets.

According to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, a man drove a truck intentionally at high speed into a crowd, and also shot two police officers, who are in stable condition.

“It was not a DUI situation,” she said. “This was more complex and more serious based on the information we have right now.”

Authorities say it was a plot, done intentionally. No accident.

Authorities are also investigating possible improvised explosive devices at the scene, according to the FBI.

The suspect died after exchanging gunfire with police officers.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident a “terrorist attack.”

“We do know that the city of New Orleans was impacted by a terrorist attack,” she said.

The FBI said that this was caused by a person with criminal intent but that this was not a “terrorist attack”

It is not clear why the mayor and FBI have differing information.

Kirkpatrick said that the majority of the injured victims are locals in the area.

New Orleans Mayor Cantrell to offer support,” the White House said in a statement.

“The FBI is already on the ground supporting local law enforcement in the investigation and the President will continue to be briefed throughout the day,” the statement added.

The incident came toward the end of New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans and hours before the kickoff of the Sugar Bowl game between Notre Dame and the University of Georgia, with thousands expected to be in attendance.

Despite the day being marked by a mass casualty event, Kirkpatrick said that the city wants locals and visitors to “go about the day” and continue to “enjoy New Orleans”.