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| Credit: Fox News |
Fox News reported a driver intentionally plowed a car into a crowd of New Year’s gatherers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, according to authorities.
The driver exited the vehicle and fired a weapon after hitting the crowd. Two police officers were reportedly injured in the gunfight.
There was a significant police presence and emergency vehicles at the scene. The 30 people have been transported to five hospitals.
The suspect died during the gunfight with police. It is unclear at this point if it was suicide by cop or he took his own life.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident a “terrorist attack” at a news conference. FBI Special Agent Aletha Duncan disputed her at the press conference and said this was not confirmed.
WATCH:
This is unbelievable. The mayor of New Orleans confirmed it was a terrorist attack, and literally minutes later, at the same press conference, an FBI spokesperson stated it was not a terrorist attack. pic.twitter.com/FbTyG3VNXt
— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) January 1, 2025
Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed the person’s
behavior was “very intentional” and “was trying to run over as many
people as he possibly could.”
🔴 The gunman was “was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did”, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) January 1, 2025
New Orleans’ mayor told a press conference that the incident was a terrorist attack, however this was later contradicted by the FBI pic.twitter.com/fV8WAbI4wW
The FBI also revealed that improvised explosive devices were found. Fox News reported investigators are working to confirm whether the devices are viable.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has called this morning’s incident on
Bourbon Street a “horrific act of violence” and asked America to pray
for the victims and first responders in a post on X.
A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning.
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 1, 2025
Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene.
I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.
The White House released the following statement:
President Biden has been briefed on the horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight and the White House has been in touch with New Orleans Mayor Cantrell to offer support.
The FBI is already on the ground supporting local law enforcement in the investigation and the President will continue to be briefed throughout the day.
People are being urged to avoid Bourbon Street while the investigation continues.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
