A horrifying New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans has left at least 10 people dead and 30 injured after a pickup truck ploughed into a crowd celebrating near the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Street in the city’s historic French Quarter. The chaos didn’t end there, as the driver reportedly fired shots at the crowd and later exchanged gunfire with police officers.
The attack unfolded in the heart of one of America’s most visited cities, turning a joyous occasion into a scene of devastation. Witnesses described the truck crashing through a barricade at high speed, mowing down people gathered in the bustling area. Police confirmed that the driver then opened fire, injuring two officers, who are now in stable condition.
Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, addressing the media, called the incident a deliberate act of violence. This man, this perpetrator, he fired on our officers from his vehicle when he crashed his vehicle. Two of our officers have been shot. They are stable… He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” she said
Adding to the chaos, the FBI revealed that a suspected explosive device was discovered at the scene, prompting additional safety measures. Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the driver or confirm any motive behind the attack.
New Orleans’ emergency management team, NOLA Ready, issued a statement labeling the incident a “mass casualty event.” Emergency services transported 30 injured victims to local hospitals, while law enforcement cordoned off the area for further investigation.
Eyewitnesses described the terror that unfolded. Jim and Nicole Mowrer, who were near the crash site, recounted how the white truck sped through the barricade and opened fire. “Once it was past us, we did hear gunfire, saw police running that direction… Once the gunfire stopped, we stayed in the alcove until the gunfire stopped, came out into the street, and came across a lot of — several people who had been hit, (we) wanted to see what we could do to help,” Nicole Mowrer said.
The attack occurred as the city prepared to host the Sugar Bowl, a major college football game featuring the University of Georgia and Notre Dame, further intensifying concerns over public safety. New Orleans, a popular tourist destination, draws millions of visitors annually, and the French Quarter is a focal point of its appeal.
