A tragic attack in New Orleans has left ten people dead and 35 injured after a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street and began firing a weapon, authorities confirmed.
According to a BBC report, the incident occurred around 3:15 AM local time, when the suspect sped through the busy street, targeting pedestrians before crashing the vehicle and shooting two police officers. Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick described the suspect as being intent on causing maximum harm, stating he was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage that he did.”
The FBI is investigating the event as an act of terrorism, noting that an improvised explosive device was also discovered at the scene. Officials are working to determine its viability. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was killed during the attack.
Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos and fear. “People started running and getting under tables like it was an active shooter drill,” said one witness, who also described the horror of seeing bodies scattered in the street. Another witness, visiting from Iowa, said they tried to assist victims but realized some had already died.
US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the attack, with the White House stating that federal agencies are assisting local law enforcement. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the violence, offering prayers for the victims and first responders.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the deadly rampage.
