United States: At least 10 people are dead, and sadly like many others are hurt after a driver drove a car into a crowd of people celebrating New Year’s on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. After actually hitting the crowd, the driver got out of the car and fired a weapon. Around 30 injured people have been taken to hospitals. Police and emergency teams are on the scene.
Taking to the news conference on Wednesday morning, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the sad event as a ‘terrorist attack only for it to be denied by the FBI agents who appeared to begin interrogating the suspect shortly after her statement.
According to the police, two officers were knocked down in the attack but are now in stable condition. It is still pending what the status of the suspect is.
New Orleans New Year Attack: Truck Rams Revellers, Gunman Opens Fire, 12 Dead, 30 Injured
— Andrea Shaffer, Employment/Labor Law (@Andreafreedom76) January 1, 2025
The incident echoes a similar attack at a German Christmas market.
A pickup truck ploughed into New Year's Eve revellers on Bourbon Street, New Orleans. The driver then exited the vehicle… pic.twitter.com/XWFikxWGzr
As reported by the Fox News, the incident happened around 3: 15 a.m. Friday at Bourbon and Iberville streets, WGNO local news channel stated.
”The 8th District is currently working a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that sped through a crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street,” the city officials added.
The NOLA City website said that 30 injured patients were evacuated to the hospitals through NOEMS and said there were at least ten deaths.
Before the Wednesday morning attack, the NOPD had stated that there would be officers on patrol throughout New Orleans on NYE, in the addition to the 300 additional officers from other parishes.
Police also added that they were preparing security for the Sugar Bowl which is expected to go on later Wednesday.
NEW: Take a look at this photo from the scene of this morning’s mass casualty incident in New Orleans. This is the truck that slammed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 people#NewYear2025 #NewOrleans #BourbonStreet #FrenchQuarter pic.twitter.com/7HxdwIxq7a
— TopTrendsX (@ToptrendX) January 1, 2025
NOPD officials said residents and tourists can expect to see both clearly marked police cruisers and those unmarked ones as well as officers on feet, bikes, and horses as part of the department’s Mounted Patrol, NOPD Superintendent Anne E. Kirkpatrick has said on Tuesday.
” This will further improve the awareness of this important branch of law enforcement ensuring public safety, keeping crowds under control and being able to promptly respond to any situation.”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said in a statement, “tragically a heinous crime was committed on Bourbon street earlier today.”
Sharon and I would like to call on everyone to pray for all those who were affected or involved in the incident. I hereby appeal to all those close to the scene to stay away from the scenes.