At least 10 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a driver deliberately drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s celebrants in New Orleans early Wednesday morning. The tragic event took place around 3:15 a.m. at the intersection of Bourbon Street.
Following the crash, the male driver reportedly exited the vehicle and opened fire at police officers. The brief exchange of gunfire ended with the suspect being killed at the scene, according to authorities. Emergency responders transported 35 individuals to five hospitals across the city to treat injuries sustained in the attack.
Fox News reported that the truck involved in the incident with Texas license plate had been tracked crossing into the United States at Eagle Pass, Texas, in November. However, the individual who crossed the border with the truck is not believed to be the attacker.
The suspect’s immigration status remains unknown.
In a morning briefing, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell referred to the incident as a “terrorist attack,” and the FBI confirmed they are investigating the incident as such.
Also two police officers were injured during the attack, but both are in stable condition. It remains unclear whether their injuries were caused by the vehicle or the gunfire during the standoff.
UPDATES
- At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured after a driver plowed a car into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans at approximately 3:15 a.m. ET on New Year’s Day
- City officials said 35 injured people, including a police officer, have been transported by NOEMS to five local hospitals
- The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terror
- Police said the suspect died after he jumped out of his pickup truck and traded gunfire with responding officers. Two police officers were injured and are in stable condition
UPDATE: 3:16PM
Death toll now updated to atleast 15 people
