Not less than 10 folks have been killed and 35 injured early Wednesday morning when a driver intentionally plowed a pickup truck right into a crowd celebrating New Yr’s Eve on Bourbon Road in New Orleans. The suspect, who engaged in a gunfight with officers, was killed throughout the confrontation, New Orleans police confirmed.
“This man was making an attempt to run over as many individuals as he probably may,” stated Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, describing the motive force’s actions as “very intentional.” The suspect additionally opened fireplace on law enforcement officials, injuring two who’re presently in secure situation, in line with Kirkpatrick.
The FBI is now investigating the incident as a possible “act of terrorism.” Federal brokers are additionally conducting additional examinations of the scene, together with inspecting the car for attainable improvised explosives. CNN affiliate WDSU shared footage of a regulation enforcement robotic being deployed to research the underside of the truck.
The tragic assault occurred simply hours earlier than New Orleans was set to host The Sugar Bowl, a serious school soccer sport anticipated to attract followers from throughout the nation. The College of Georgia was scheduled to play Notre Dame lower than a mile away from the scene of the assault.
“The eighth District is presently working a mass casualty incident involving a car that drove into a big crowd on Canal and Bourbon Road. There are 30 injured sufferers which have been transported by New Orleans Emergency Medical Companies (NOEMS) and 10 fatalities. Public security companions are responding on scene. Updates will observe as they’re acquired,” the New Orleans Police Division stated in an announcement.
This can be a growing story, and additional particulars are anticipated to emerge.