Vehicle Attack in New Orleans Investigated as an Act of Terrorism

Jenny Lee January 01, 2025 | 20:36

At least 10 dead, 35 injured in Bourbon Street, New Orleans in New Year's vehicle attack. FBI said the incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism.

Bourbon Street massacre under investigation 'as an act of terrorism'

Act of Terrorism

The FBI has confirmed that the suspect involved in the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans has been killed following an exchange of gunfire with police officers.

The incident, which left 10 people dead and 30 others injured after the suspect drove a pickup truck into a crowded street, is now being treated as a potential act of terrorism, according to the bureau.

"Earlier this morning, an individual deliberately drove a vehicle into a crowd on Bourbon Street, tragically taking multiple lives and injuring dozens," the FBI stated on Wednesday. "The suspect then engaged in a confrontation with local law enforcement and was fatally shot. The FBI is leading the investigation and, in collaboration with our partners, is treating this as an act of terrorism."

Vehicle Attack in New Orleans: Terrorist Act or Massacre?

The mass casualty incident unfolded at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal Streets in the French Quarter neighborhood at around 3:15 a.m.

Authorities reported that a driver plowed a vehicle into a large crowd of New Year's revelers on Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning, causing chaos and tragedy. The incident resulted in at least 10 deaths and 35 injuries.

The incident, marked by gunfire and the discovery of explosive devices, has left the city and the nation questioning whether this was a terrorist attack or a horrifying mass casualty event.

Vehicle Attack in New Orleans

At a news conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell characterized the attack as a "terrorist act," stating, "Our city was targeted during a time of celebration, and this is a wake-up call for all of us." Her remarks were made against the backdrop of a shaken city reeling from the tragedy.

However, conflicting statements from the FBI have cast doubt on the mayor's assertion. Special Agent Aletha Duncan, speaking after the mayor, countered this narrative. "At this time, we do not have evidence to classify this as a terrorist attack," she said. The FBI emphasized that investigations are still in progress to determine the motive and nature of the attack.

The Motives

The horrifying event unfolded when a driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, intentionally rammed his car into the densely packed crowd on Bourbon Street. Witnesses described scenes of sheer panic as revelers fled in every direction.

The situation escalated when the suspect, after crashing the car, opened fire on responding police officers. Authorities managed to subdue the individual, but not before significant loss of life and injuries.

The FBI and local police are working to identify the attacker and find clues to the horrific crime. Crime experts and local officials agree that the attack was clearly targeted and premeditated. The bloody event on New Year's Day 2025 has been referred to as a "terrorist attack".

Suspect is Dead

Law enforcement expert says Bourbon Street massacre 'very well-planned'

According to Kirkpatrick, a man intentionally drove a truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers, shooting two police officers who are in stable condition.

Fox News has confirmed that the suspect who plowed a pickup truck into a large crowd in New Orleans on Wednesday morning, killing at least ten people and injuring thirty more, has died.

The suspect died after exchanging gunfire with officers. It's unclear whether he was hit by an officer or killed himself. Two officers were shot during the incident.

Driver's Actions "Very Intentional"

The conflicting statements from local and federal authorities have fueled public debate over whether this tragic event should be classified as a terrorist attack. Experts say that while the presence of IEDs and the intentional targeting of civilians are characteristics of terrorism, motives such as personal grievances or mental health issues could also be at play.

As the investigation unfolds, New Orleans stands united in grief but divided in interpretation. While the truth behind the suspect’s actions remains uncertain, the resilience of the city's people shines through. Vigils and support efforts are already underway, proving once again that even in the face of darkness, the spirit of New Orleans endures.

Investigators have confirmed that the individual who drove a vehicle into a crowd in the French Quarter early Wednesday morning did so intentionally, according to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.

“This was a deliberate act,” Kirkpatrick stated. “The suspect drove a pickup truck down Bourbon Street at high speed, clearly aiming to harm as many people as possible.”

She also clarified that impairment was not a factor in the incident.

“This was not a DUI,” Kirkpatrick emphasized. “Based on the evidence we’ve gathered so far, the situation is far more complex and severe.”

Explosive Devices Found

In a chilling twist, investigators reported the discovery of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the suspect’s vehicle. The FBI is working to determine the viability and potential intent behind these devices, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.

Public Safety Measures

The police have cordoned off Bourbon Street, urging the public to avoid the area while forensic teams and bomb squads continue their work. Mayor Cantrell reassured residents that additional security measures are being implemented citywide.

"Terrorist attack" in New Orleans: Truck Crashes Crowd ,10 Dead, 30 Injured

A car intentionally drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street early Wednesday, killing at least 10 people and injuring about 30 others, according to New ...