At least 12 people were killed and 30 others injured in a truck crash and shooting incident, with the driver also deceased.
Early on New Year’s Day, a man deliberately drove a pickup truck into a crowded Bourbon Street in New Orleans, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and injuring 30 more. The FBI reported that the suspect, the driver, was killed during a gunfight with police.
“It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” stated New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick during a news conference on Wednesday morning. “He was determined to create the carnage and destruction that he did.”
According to Ms. Kirkpatrick, the man accelerated the truck into crowds at high speed around 3:15 a.m. before crashing and opening fire, injuring two police officers. Investigators later discovered what appeared to be improvised explosive devices in the truck and were working to determine whether the devices were functional.
Officials urged the public to avoid a half-mile stretch of Bourbon Street and the surrounding blocks while the FBI conducted its investigation.
In a news release, the FBI announced that they are treating the incident “as an act of terrorism.”
Investigators are examining whether the suspect had any connections to or was inspired by a foreign terror organization, according to law enforcement and city officials who spoke with CBS News. Potential explosive devices recovered from or near the scene are also undergoing analysis, the sources indicated.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the incident as “a horrific act of violence” and expressed that he and his wife were “praying for all the victims and first responders on the scene.” He urged the public to steer clear of the area.
The popular tourist district was bustling with New Year’s Day revelers at the time of the apparent attack.
“He was determined to create the carnage and destruction that he did,” Kirkpatrick reiterated.
Witnesses told CBS News reporter Kati Weis that a white truck sped into pedestrians on Bourbon Street, after which the driver began firing a weapon from inside the vehicle, prompting police to return fire.
The City of New Orleans released a statement online confirming that 30 individuals were transported to local hospitals with injuries, while 12 fatalities were confirmed. Kirkpatrick later stated that at least 30 people were hospitalized.
The injured were taken to five different local hospitals.
Duncan announced that the FBI would be leading the investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana will collaborate with the FBI and local officials to support the investigation, according to Attorney General Merrick Garland. The White House reported that President Biden was briefed on the attack and that his administration has been in contact with Mayor Cantrell to offer assistance.
“The country woke up this morning to news of a terrible tragedy in New Orleans that killed at least 12 people and injured many more,” Garland stated. “My heart is broken for those who began their year by learning that loved ones were killed in this horrific attack, and my prayers are with the dozens who were injured, including the New Orleans Police Department officers who risked their lives to save others.”
