A driver plowed into a crowd of revelers on New Year’s Day in New Orleans, killing 10 people and injuring 35 others in what the FBI is now investigating as a possible act of terrorism. The attack happened around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday on Bourbon Street, right in the heart of the city’s French Quarter.
The driver was killed in a shootout with police shortly after the crash. Authorities combed through the French Quarter, to look for any potential explosives.
New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver as “hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage” that unfolded. FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan confirmed investigators are looking into the possibility of at least one improvised explosive device (IED) being involved.
At an initial press conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the attack a “terrorist act,” and the city’s police chief made it clear the driver’s actions were deliberate. “This man was trying to run over as many people as he could,” said Commissioner Kirkpatrick. FBI officials later clarified that the deadly attack was not a terrorist attack.
After crashing the vehicle, the driver got out and opened fire on officers who responded to the scene. Police returned fire, killing the driver. Two officers were injured but are expected to recover.
The French Quarter, one of the biggest spots for New Year’s Eve celebrations, was packed with people. The city’s crowds were swelling ahead of the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame, which was scheduled for later that day at the Superdome. Although the stadium was locked down for a time following the attack, the game is still expected to take place as planned.
