New Orleans police chief Anne Kirkpatrick and FBI special agent Alethea Duncan in a press conference after the New Orleans massacre confirmed that it was not a terror attack that killed 10 people after a man ploughed his car into a revelling crowd. This came soon after New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident a terror attack.
In the press conference, agency Duncan said it was not a terror attack as they were investigating the discovery of suspected improvised explosive devices at the scene.The agency said it was being investigated whether the device was viable or not.
On being asked to reveal more about the devices, the police chief said more details will be revealed in their 11 AM press conference when they have more information.
New Year horror at New Orleans: Here’s what happened
Just after New Orleans rang in the New Year, a driver rammed a truck into crowds on the famed Bourbon Street despite heavy police barricade — killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens. The police chief said the perpetrator was hellbent on carnage and went around the police barricade to ram into the crowd. “This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” Kirkpatrick said, adding the driver “was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”
Social media users were outraged at the contradictory statements and the lack of clarity over the incident while the police chief insisted that the community should not visit Bourbon street but apart from that the New Year celebration should not stop.
“The FBI is already in cover-up mode,” one user wrote.
“There is absolutely no reason for Bourbon Street to be accessible to vehicles at night. There should be anti-vehicle ramming bollards at every intersection. I love New Orleans, but this has been my nightmare every time I’ve been there. Hope the death counts are wrong,” another wrote.
“That was a shit show press conference in New Orleans.
Mayor: “This is a Terrorist Attack”
FBI: “This is not a Terrorist Attack”
Police Chief: “Go enjoy New Orleans!”
Wtf. Did these people talk to each other before going out there?” one X user wrote.
“Absolutely WORTHLESS sh*t show press conference by ”officials” in #NewOrleans. Amateur hour at it’s finest. Still have not confirmed if shooter was caught. My God, this police chief is abominable. Not taking questions. DEI on full display here. Response going to be ugly,” one X user wrote.
