Car attack in New Orleans: at least 10 dead, the suspect “determined to create carnage”… 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: the driver was “decided to cause carnage”, the death toll still stands at 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 the police.

During their press briefing, authorities did not specify whether the suspect had been apprehended. At this stage, it is unknown if he fled, if he was arrested or if he was neutralized by the police. 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.

“He was determined to create carnage”

“Last night we had over 300 police officers on scene, and due to the intentional mindset of this attacker, he went around our barricades to commit this act. He was determined to create carnage,” Kirkpatrick said .

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”?

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.

“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.