The suspect who allegedly drove into a crowd at a New Year's celebration on Wednesday, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 30 others, has died after being struck by police gunfire.
Why It Matters
The pickup truck was driven into a crowd gathered at Canal and Bourbon streets at around 3:15 a.m. It is the second attack on people over the holiday season in which a vehicle was used as a weapon. On December 20, a man drove a car into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing five people and injuring hundreds more.
In addition to the latest fatalities, at least 35 people were injured, including two New Orleans Police Department officers.
What To Know
The New Orleans Police Department said the suspect opened fire on officers after the vehicle came to a stop. The truck that he was driving was purchased in August, according to records reviewed by Newsweek.
Officers returned fire and the victim was struck, police said in a news release. He was subsequently pronounced dead.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the male suspect "was trying to run over as many people as he could." She said the incident was the result of "intentional behavior."
"Last night we had over 300 officers out here. And because of the intentional mindset of this perpetrator who went around our barricades in order to conduct this, he was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," Kirkpatrick said.
Alethea Duncan, the special agent in charge for FBI New Orleans, said improvised explosive devices were also found in the area.
The FBI said it is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
What People Are Saying
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, on X, formerly Twitter: "A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area."
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, on X: "Many of us woke up this morning to devastating news of the brutal intentional slaughter of innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans. I'm praying for the victims and their families and will ensure they get justice for this appalling act."
What Happens Next
Law enforcement and government officials are expected to hold another press conference at 11 a.m. CST.
The public is being asked to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine Streets and also east to Royal Street and west to Dauphine Street until further notice.
The FBI will be the lead agency in the investigation.
Anyone with information that can assist is asked to contact the FBI's New Orleans Bureau by calling (504) 816-3000 or by emailing tips@fbi.gov.
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