At least 10 people have died after a vehicle drove into a crowd celebrating New Year’s on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Dozens more were injured in the crash, which occurred around 3:15 AM. The driver reportedly got out and fired a weapon after the collision.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell initially called the attack a terrorist act, but the FBI later contradicted this claim, stating it had not been confirmed. The incident has been confirmed as deliberate by the NOPD.
Prior to the attack, security was increased for the city’s New Year’s celebrations, with 300 extra officers deployed to the area. The NOPD had also boosted security for the Sugar Bowl, scheduled for later that day.
Governor Jeff Landry urged people to avoid the area, expressing condolences for the victims and first responders. Bourbon Street has been shut down as investigations continue, and the status of the suspect is still unclear.
