US president-elect Donald Trump has linked the New Orleans attack, which claimed ten lives and left over thirty injured, to his warnings about crime and border security. The tragedy unfolded early on New Year’s Day when a pickup truck ploughed into a crowd of revelers in the city’s French Quarter.
“When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true,” Trump said in a statement. “The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department.”
He also pledged support to the city as investigations continue, saying, “The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil.”
Authorities have confirmed that the incident is being treated as an act of terrorism. According to Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick, the driver acted with clear intent, describing him as “hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.” The suspect was killed in a shootout with police after the attack, during which two officers were wounded but are now in stable condition.
Fox News reports claimed that the attacker entered the US from Mexico two days before the attack.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the truck tore through the crowded streets. “A body came flying at me,” said Kevin Garcia, a bystander. Another witness, Whit Davis, recounted being rushed out of a nightclub. “When they finally let us out, police told us to get out of the area fast. I saw a few dead bodies they couldn’t even cover and tons of people receiving first aid,” he told CNN.
The FBI is working with local authorities to investigate the possibility of improvised explosive devices at the scene. The attack occurred in the heart of the French Quarter during one of the busiest times of the year, with the city preparing for the Sugar Bowl football game.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and has offered federal assistance. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the attack as a “horrific act of violence,” while Mayor LaToya Cantrell condemned it as a terrorist act.
