Car attack in New Orleans: at least 10 dead, the suspect killed by the police… what we know about the tragedy

New Orleans – and more specifically the French Quarter, the city's bustling historic center where Bourbon Street is located – was still in the middle of New Year's celebrations when a vehicle crashed into a crowd on Wednesday, January 1.

Also read:
DIRECT. Car attack in New Orleans: driver shot dead by police, death toll rises to 10

The attack in the French Quarter occurred hours before the city hosted the Sugar Bowl college football game, which draws fans from across the country.

The pickup crashed into the crowd at high speed

Around 3:15 a.m., a white pickup truck plowed into a crowd of passers-by on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans at the corner of Canal and Bourbon Street. After going around the barricades installed to secure the area, the vehicle struck the pedestrians at high speed.

The driver then got out of his vehicle and opened fire on passers-by and police. The suspect was killed by police during this shooting. The investigation was entrusted to the FBI.

At least 10 dead and around thirty injured

The attack left 10 people dead and 30 injured, several of whom are in critical condition. Two police officers were also injured after being shot during the exchange with the attacker.

“We don't yet know how many people are tourists or locals, but based on the information I have right now, it appears the majority are locals,” said New Orleans Police Superintendent, Anne Kirkpatrick. The public is asked to stay away from Bourbon Street.

“He was determined to create carnage”

“Last night, we had more than 300 police officers on site, and due to the intentional state of mind of this attacker, he went around our barricades to commit this act. He was determined to create carnage,” said Anne Kirkpatrick.

The suspect “tried to run over as many people as possible” with his pickup, said New Orleans police chief Anne Kirkpatrick. The driver was not drunk. No further information was given on the motorist's profile.

“A terrorist attack”?

LaToya Cantrell, the mayor of New Orleans, initially claimed that the city had been targeted by a “terrorist” attack. Information denied by the police a few minutes later.

Explosives discovered by law enforcement “We are working to confirm whether it is a viable device or not,” said Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's New York office. Orleans.

“An act of violence”, according to the governor of Louisiana

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his emotion and solidarity with the victims via a message on X. “A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning,” he said. “I urge everyone present near the scene to avoid the area.”

A press conference is planned for 5 p.m. (French time) to provide more information on this attack.