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At least 10 people were killed and 35 injured after a man drove a vehicle into a large crowd in the heart of New Orleans in an attack the FBI is investigating as an “act of terrorism”.
The attack happened early on New Year's Day along Bourbon Street in the Louisiana capital, one of the main streets in the historic French Quarter, which is filled with bars, restaurants and music venues, and attracts local and international visitors.
Anne Kirkpatrick, superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, said at around 3.15am local time a man drove a truck down Bourbon Street “at a high rate of speed”.
“It was intentional behavior. “This man was trying to run over as many people as he could,” Kirkpatrick added. “He was determined to cause the carnage and damage he did.
Kirkpatrick said the two officers who were shot by the driver are in stable condition. The FBI later released a statement saying the shooter and perpetrator of the attack had died.
“This morning, someone drove a car into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing dozens of people and injuring dozens of others. The subject subsequently became involved with local law enforcement and is now deceased,” the FBI said. “The FBI is the leading investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism,” he added.
LaToya Cantrell, mayor of New Orleans, he said the city was affected by a “terrorist attack”, without giving further details.
“What I am asking for at this time is the prayers of those who lost their lives in the city of New Orleans because of this tragedy,” he said.
The White House has confirmed that President Joe Biden has been “informed of the terrible news”. It added: “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.”
Alethea Duncan, the FBI's special assistant in New Orleans, told reporters that an improvised explosive device was found at the scene of the attack. The FBI was working to make sure the device was “working”, Duncan said.
New Orleans is always buzzing with visitors during the holiday season, but the city was packed on New Year's Eve this year because of the “Sugar Bowl” American football game scheduled for Wednesday between the University of Georgia and the University of Notre Dame.
The event was expected to go ahead as planned despite the attack, but local officials are asking people to avoid the area.