At least 15 people have been killed and dozens more injured after an SUV ran into a crowd celebrating New Year in New Orleans, Louisiana, with authorities investigating it as “an act of terrorism.”
The incident occurred in the city’s French Quarter at around 3:15 am local time, WGNO said on Wednesday. The area, which has numerous bars and restaurants, is popular with tourists.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described what happened as “a horrific act of violence,” and urged the public to avoid the area. New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) chief Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters that the attacker drove down Bourbon Street with the “clear intent” of causing ”carnage.”
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President Joe Biden stated that hours before the New Orleans terror attack, the suspect posted videos suggesting he was “inspired” by Islamic State (IS, ISIS) terrorist group.
The attack took place as New Orleans is preparing to host the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday night. The iconic college football game, which has been played in the city annually since 1935, gathers thousands of fans from around the US. This year, the University of Georgia and University of Notre Dame will compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
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Law enforcement officials have searched an Airbnb rental in New Orleans believed to be connected to the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) tied to the Bourbon Street terror attack, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill revealed in an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt.
“We know that these individuals had rented the house and were using it for that purpose,” Murrill stated.
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Murrill also addressed the ongoing security concerns in New Orleans, including the delay of the Sugar Bowl football game, originally scheduled for Wednesday but postponed to Thursday following the attack.
“I would like to see it delayed at least another day,” she said. “If they asked my opinion, I would tell them that.”
Despite calling for an additional delay, Murrill emphasized that she believes “the community is safe,” citing the robust law enforcement presence in the city in the aftermath of the attack.
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03:43 GMT
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill emphasized the state’s death penalty policy in a statement on X, suggesting that her office would seek the ultimate punishment if additional suspects are identified.
“In Louisiana, we have the death penalty, and we will carry it out!” Murrill wrote, underscoring the state’s firm stance on capital punishment in cases involving acts of terror and mass casualties.
The primary suspect in the attack, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, was killed in a shootout with law enforcement shortly after his violent rampage. However, investigators believe he may not have acted alone, raising the possibility of additional arrests in the ongoing investigation.
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03:31 GMT
In a statement posted on X, FBI Houston announced that the court-authorized search of a property near Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive is still ongoing, with SWAT and Bomb Technicians working on-site. No arrests have been made, and FBI personnel are expected to remain at the scene for several more hours.
- 03:20 GMT
The vehicle used in the New Orleans attack and the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas were both rented through the online platform Turo, the company confirmed in a statement to CNN.
“We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents,” a spokesperson said. “We do not believe that either renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat.”
- 02:29 GMT
Federal and local law enforcement officers are conducting a thorough search of a home in north Harris County, Texas, believed to be connected to the suspect in the New Orleans attack.
Within hours of the incident, FBI agents and personnel from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) swarmed a property on Hugh Road near Crescent Peak Drive. A federal search warrant had been secured, and specialized teams were deployed to the site.
The FBI confirmed that the search was connected to the New Orleans investigation but withheld specific details, citing the ongoing nature of their inquiries. Nearby residents were asked to evacuate, and reporters were moved to a designated staging area.
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