At least 10 people were killed and multiple others injured when a driver intentionally drove a car into a crowd of New Year’s revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. After plowing into the crowd, the driver reportedly exited the vehicle and fired a weapon. A large police presence and EMS were immediately on scene to help the roughly 30 injured victims, who were transported to five hospitals across the city. Two officers were also injured in the attack but are in stable condition, while the status of the suspect remains unclear. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell initially declared the incident a terrorist attack, although FBI agents later stated that this has not been confirmed.
The incident occurred at around 3:15 a.m. at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville. The New Orleans Police Department had increased security measures throughout the city for New Year’s Eve, deploying 300 additional officers from elsewhere in the state. They were also beefing up security for the Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled to take place later on Wednesday. Residents and visitors could expect to see a strong police presence in various forms such as marked and unmarked vehicles, officers on foot, bike, and horseback as part of the department’s Mounted Patrol, to ensure public safety, provide crowd control, and allow for rapid response to any incidents.
The total number of victims involved in the incident has not been confirmed by police. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the violence that took place on Bourbon Street and urged everyone to pray for the victims and first responders at the scene. The NOLA City website announced that at least 10 people had died as a result of the attack. At the time of the incident, various separate shootings near the New Orleans parade route had left two people dead and 10 wounded.
In response to the attack, New Orleans Police Department had initially announced being all hands on deck on New Year’s Eve. Police had also taken extra precautions due to the Sugar Bowl event which was happening later that day with an increased police presence to ensure public safety. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued a statement urging those near the scene to avoid the area and join him and his wife in prayer for the victims and first responders affected by the tragedy. The investigation into the incident is ongoing and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack.
The status of the suspect involved in the attack remains unclear as authorities continue to investigate the incident. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell had initially labeled the attack as a terrorist incident, however, the FBI contradicted this statement noting that it has not been confirmed. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene at Bourbon Street following the attack, with many injured individuals being taken to local hospitals for treatment. As more information becomes available, updates on the situation and the number of casualties will be provided by authorities. Louisiana residents and visitors have been urged to avoid the area surrounding Bourbon Street as police continue their investigation into the tragic events that unfolded on New Year’s Eve.
