Source: MATTHEW HINTON / Getty
New Orleans’ popular French Quarter became a scene of terror New Year’s Day after 10 people were killed and at least 30 more were injured when a man intentionally drove a pickup truck into crowds on Bourbon Street, according to local authorities.
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Speaking on the incident, police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick made it clear that they were not dealing with a DUI-type situation.
“This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” Kirkpatrick said in a news conference Wednesday morning (Jan. 1), noting that the driver’s actions were “very intentional.”
According to Ms. Kirkpatrick, around 3:15 a.m. the man plowed his truck into crowds at before crashing and firing shots at authorities. Two police officers were struck by gunfire. Later, items believed to be improvised explosive devices were discovered inside the truck and investigators were trying to determine whether the devices were viable.
“He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.” Kirkpatrick added.
In response to the attack, the White House released the following statement:
“President Biden has been briefed on the horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight and the White House has been in touch with New Orleans Mayor Cantrell to offer support,” according to the statement. “The FBI is already on the ground supporting local law enforcement in the investigation and the President will continue to be briefed throughout the day.”
Source: MATTHEW HINTON / Getty
“Last night we had over 300 officers out here.” Kirkpatrick said. “And because of the intentional mindset of this perpetrator who went around our barricades in order to conduct this, he was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”
NBC News is reporting that the suspect is believed to be dead, although his identity and any potential motive remains unclear and the FBI continues to investigate.
10 Killed, at Least 30 Injured in Terror Attack on Bourbon Street
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