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The city of New Orleans began 2025 with an unprecedented tragedy: at least 10 people died and 30 were injured when a man drove a pickup truck at high speed into a crowd on the iconic Bourbon Street in the French Quarter early on January 1.
The attacker, a man whose identity has not yet been revealed, drove the truck into the crowd around 3:15 a.m., injuring dozens of people who were celebrating the arrival of the new year.
After the impact, the assailant exited the vehicle and opened fire on the police officers who responded to the attack.
In the subsequent shooting, the attacker was shot down by the officers, although two of them were injured and are in stable condition.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Authorities found what appeared to be improvised explosives in the assailant's van, raising further alarms about the scale of the attack.
The superintendent of the New Orleans Police, Anne Kirkpatrick, described the act as "very intentional behavior" and affirmed that the attacker "was determined to cause as much harm as possible."
The city's mayor, LaToya Cantrell, also described the incident as a "terrorist attack" and stated that she was horrified by what happened.
The attack took place in one of the busiest areas of New Orleans during the New Year celebration.
Bourbon Street and its surroundings were filled with tourists and residents celebrating when the attacker burst onto the scene. "When I arrived at work this morning, it was chaos. There were bodies on the ground, covered, and the police were searching for possible explosives," recounted Derick Fleming, head doorman of a nearby hotel, in statements to Local 10.
The FBI, the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), and the Department of Homeland Security have deployed investigation teams to the area. Investigators are continuing to search for possible explosive devices in the vicinity, prompting authorities to establish a half-mile perimeter around the crime scene.
President Joe Biden contacted Mayor Cantrell to offer federal support in the investigation, describing the attack as "horrible" and reaffirming that there is no justification for violence. "My heart goes out to the victims and their families. We will not tolerate any attacks in our communities," Biden stated in an official release.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Massacre in New Orleans
What happened in the New Orleans massacre?
A man drove a pickup truck at high speed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 30 injuries. The attacker was shot by the police after opening fire on the officers who responded to the incident.
How is the New Orleans attack being investigated?
The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Improvised explosives were found in the perpetrator's vehicle, raising further concern about the scale of the attack.
What measures have been taken following the attack in New Orleans?
Authorities have cordoned off a half-mile perimeter around the crime scene and are continuing to search for possible explosive devices. Additionally, President Biden has offered federal support for the investigation.
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