(SQAUK) — In the early hours of New Year’s Day, New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street was transformed into a scene of horror when a man drove a white pickup truck into crowds of celebrants, killing ten and injuring at least 35 others. After crashing the vehicle, the assailant exited and began firing an assault rifle, wounding two police officers before being fatally shot by law enforcement.
The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m. in the city’s popular French Quarter. Witnesses described the vehicle speeding down the street, deliberately targeting pedestrians. “We had been on and around Bourbon Street since the beginning of the evening,” said Whit Davis, a witness. “When we were in the bar we didn’t hear shooting or crashes because the music was so loud.” Upon being escorted out by police, Davis recounted seeing “dead and injured bodies all over the street.”
Mayor LaToya Cantrell condemned the act as a “terrorist attack” and urged residents to avoid the area. The FBI has taken over the investigation after discovering suspected improvised explosive devices at the scene. “We are working on confirming if this is a viable device or not,” said Aletha Duncan, assistant special agent in charge.
The identities of the victims and the assailant have not yet been released. Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, and the White House has supported local officials.
This tragedy casts a shadow over the city’s annual Allstate Sugar Bowl, scheduled to take place later in the day, drawing thousands of visitors to New Orleans. Security measures are being reassessed in light of the attack.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the impact of this violent act on a cherished cultural landmark.
