At least 10 people were killed, and over 30 others injured when a driver intentionally drove a truck into a large crowd during New Year’s Eve celebrations in New Orleans’ French Quarter early Wednesday. The incident occurred at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal Streets, a historic and heavily frequented area known for its vibrant nightlife and tourist attractions. “This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” said Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick at a press conference, describing the act as a deliberate attack.
Incident Unfolds
The attack began around 3:15 a.m. local time when a pickup truck, reportedly traveling at high speed, plowed into a crowd celebrating the New Year. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as the vehicle struck multiple individuals before crashing. Following the collision, the driver exited the vehicle and began firing a weapon, prompting police officers at the scene to respond with gunfire.
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Two police officers were injured in the ensuing shootout but are reported to be in stable condition. The driver, described by witnesses as wearing body armor and carrying an assault rifle, was reportedly killed during the confrontation.
Videos circulating on social media depict a scene of panic, with people running and screams echoing as gunshots rang out. Witnesses described bodies strewn across the street, adding to the horrific nature of the attack.
Suspected Explosive Device Found
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which has taken over the investigation, revealed that a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was found at the scene. “We are working on confirming if this is a viable device or not,” said Special Agent Alethea Duncan at a press conference. The presence of the device has raised concerns about the potential for further attacks, although no additional threats have been identified.
Official Responses and Statements
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell initially referred to the incident as a “terrorist attack,” a statement later clarified by the FBI, which indicated that they are not yet treating the incident as terrorism. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the violence, describing it as a “horrific act of violence.”
“A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning,” Landry said on social media, urging people to avoid the area as investigations continued. The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the attack and expressed support for local authorities.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Eyewitnesses shared harrowing accounts of the attack. Kevin Garcia, 22, said the truck slammed into the left side of the Bourbon Street sidewalk, hitting multiple people. “I saw a body flying at me,” he recounted. Another witness described running for safety amid the chaos.
Whit Davis, a 22-year-old from Shreveport, Louisiana, described being in a nightclub when people began running and hiding under tables, likening the scene to an “active shooter drill.”
Mass Casualty Event Declared
Authorities declared the attack a “mass casualty event,” with injured victims transported to at least five area hospitals. Emergency services, including ambulances and coroner vehicles, responded quickly to the scene. NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness department, released a statement confirming the number of casualties and urging the public to stay away from the area.
A City Already Familiar with Violence
The attack comes against the backdrop of previous incidents of violence in New Orleans. In November 2024, two shootings during a parade left two dead and 10 injured. In 2017, a pickup truck driven by an intoxicated man injured over 20 people during Mardi Gras celebrations.
Broader Implications
The attack disrupted the final hours of New Year’s festivities and cast a shadow over the city’s annual Allstate Bowl, a college football quarterfinal held hours later at the Caesars Superdome. Thousands of visitors in the city for the celebrations were left shaken by the tragic events.
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As investigations continue, questions remain about the motive behind the attack and whether the perpetrator acted alone. The discovery of the suspected explosive device adds a chilling dimension to an already devastating act of violence.