New Orleans Driver Kills 10 in Intentional Act of Carnage

A pickup truck driver, described by officials as intent on causing widespread harm, drove into a crowd of pedestrians in New Orleans’ French Quarter, resulting in 10 fatalities and 30 injuries. Authorities are investigating this incident as a potential New Year’s Day terrorist attack.

The incident unfolded around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday on Bourbon Street, a renowned New Year’s Eve celebration spot, as large crowds gathered in anticipation of the Sugar Bowl college football game at the nearby Superdome.

Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick stated that the driver’s actions were deliberate and aimed at maximizing casualties. She confirmed that security measures for the Sugar Bowl would be strengthened, but the game would proceed as planned.

Kirkpatrick emphasized the intentional nature of the driver’s actions, highlighting his attempt to strike as many people as possible.

Authorities have not yet released information on the driver’s condition, the existence of any ongoing public threat, or a possible motive for the early Wednesday morning incident at Canal and Bourbon Streets.

Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, reported the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene.

Officials have not yet updated the public on the driver’s status, potential ongoing threats, or the motive behind the incident.

NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency management agency, reported that the injured were transported to five area hospitals. One of the injured is a police officer.

The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has received a briefing on the situation.