In a devastating New Year’s Day tragedy, at least 10 individuals have perished and numerous others have been injured following a terrorist attack in New Orleans.
An SUV ploughed into partygoers on Bourbon Street around 3.15am local time (9.15am UK time), with the driver subsequently exiting the vehicle and opening fire on police officers, reports the Mirror.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell has branded the incident a “terrorist attack” in the bustling Bourbon Street district. The attack occurred as New Year’s festivities were winding down and just hours before the Sugar Bowl college football quarterfinal was set to commence at the Superdome, with large crowds expected.
(Image: X)
Nola Ready, the city’s emergency management agency, has urged the public to avoid the area and confirmed that the wounded have been transported to five nearby hospitals. Footage circulating online, yet to be authenticated, seems to show several people injured on the ground.
The FBI is now leading the investigation into the harrowing event. According to Chief Anne Kirkpatrick of the New Orleans Police, the driver barrelled into the throng at high velocity, aiming to hit as many individuals as possible, and she characterised the assailant as being “hellbent” on inflicting “carnage”.
She remarked: “A man drove a pick-up truck down Bourbon Street at a very high speed and it was very intentional behaviour, this man was trying to run over as many people as possible.”
She went on to say: “I can also say this man, the perpetrator, he fired on our officers from his vehicle, when he crashed his vehicle, two of our officers have been shot, they are stable and we will give you an update on them.”
(Image: WWLTV)
US Army veteran Jim Mowrer disclosed on X that he observed an SUV ‘speeding’ along the road and ‘running people over’. He recounted: “Was on Bourbon Street in New Orleans with my wife tonight about 20 minutes ago. SUV came down speeding and running people over. Mass casualty event, tried to first aid but most were dead. Estimate double digit deaths.”
In footage spreading rapidly across social media platforms, the distinct sound of gunshots can be heard as individuals desperately try to escape the chaos. The authorities have since announced a “mass casualty incident” and have advised the public to keep clear of the vicinity.
Citizens have received cautions not to overwhelm the emergency lines this morning, unless in dire need, due to severe demands placed on law enforcement and medical services. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry extended his sympathies, saying: “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.”
Families of victims arriving at the University Medical Center (UMC) are being directed to the UMC Conference Center on the first floor, across from Tower 2, which is the midpoint of the hospital. The latest update from New Orleans police reveals a tragic toll of 10 fatalities and over 30 injuries, including two police officers.
(Image: reddit.com)
Casualties have been transported to various hospitals including the University Medical Center, Touro Hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital, Ochsner Medical Center Jefferson Campus, and Ochsner Baptist Campus. Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that two police officers were among those injured by gunfire from the suspect.
A statement from New Orleans authorities read: “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 that have been transported by NOEMS and 10 fatalities. Public safety partners are responding on scene. Updates will follow as they are received.”
The incident has been described by police as a “terrorist attack”. The identity of the man driving the vehicle and their potential motive remains unknown.
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Witnesses reported he was wearing body armour and carrying an assault rifle. It is yet to be confirmed whether he has been arrested or if he was injured.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell confirmed the incident as a “terrorist attack” and urged people to “stay clear from Bourbon Street and eight blocks around.”
She further stated: “it’s very active and a unified command is in place right now.”
However, the FBI has yet to label it as terrorism, stating that the investigation into the motives is still ongoing.
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