FBI takes over the case, says ‘this is not a terrorist event’
At least ten people lost their lives and over 30 have been injured in New Orleans after a truck drove into a crowd during the early hours of New Year’s Day, as per local media reports.
As per media reports, injured have been admitted in different hospitals. As per the latest updates, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is taking over the investigation.
“The 8th District is currently working a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street. There are 30 injured patients… and 10 fatalities,” NOLA Ready, the New Orleans emergency preparedness program, said in a statement.
The event happened at approximately 3:15 am on Wednesday (January 1) at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville. According to police, the accident appeared to be intentional, although the driver has not yet been detained. As per local media reports, majority of the victims are local.
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“A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. 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,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry posted on X.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident “a terrorist attack.” However, FBI said that “this is not a terrorist event”. As per FBI, “improvised explosive devices” were found on scene.
A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning.
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.
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 1, 2025
According to CBS News, the vehicle was reportedly a truck which sped into crowd, crashing at high speed. Following the crash, the driver got off the vehicle and began shooting during which two officers got shot, CBS News reported citing witnesses.
“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,” Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told a news conference.
“Initial reports indicate a car may have ploughed into a group of people. While injuries are currently unconfirmed, there are reported fatalities,” New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) spokesperson was cited saying by local media.
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Bourbon Street, a popular nightlife spot, has been closed off as authorities investigate the incident.
This comes just days after a similar incident at a Christmas market in Germany, where five people were killed, and 205 others were injured.
In that case, a 50-year-old doctor, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, drove his BMW into a crowded market in the city of Magdeburg on 20 December.
(With inputs from agencies)
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