A video circulating on social media captured the moment New Orleans police fired on the suspect who allegdly drove a vehicle into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revelers on Bourbon Street, killing ten people and injuring over 30.
The incident, which occurred at around 3.15am in the city’s French Quarter, is being investigated as an act of terrorism, authorities confirmed.
The suspect rammed a pickup truck into a bustling crowd celebrating the arrival of 2025. Witnesses reported chaos as the vehicle ploughed through revelers, leaving a trail of destruction. The driver exited the vehicle and opened fire on responding officers before being fatally shot in the ensuing gunfight. Two police officers sustained injuries but are in stable condition, officials said.
New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as deliberate, stating, “This man was hell-bent on creating carnage and damage. He tried to run over as many people as he could.” FBI officials revealed that they were investigating the presence of a potential explosive device at the scene, news agency AP reported.
Witness accounts and ongoing investigation
The attack unfolded in the heart of the French Quarter, a renowned destination for its vibrant nightlife and iconic celebrations. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moments when the vehicle tore through the crowd, followed by the sound of gunfire.
Kevin Garcia, 22, recounted the horror to CNN, saying, “A body came flying at me. I saw the truck slam into people on the sidewalk, and then gunshots rang out.” Another witness, Whit Davis, shared his experience, adding, “Police rushed us out of the area. I saw several bodies and people receiving first aid.”
Emergency services transported victims to five local hospitals. Three coroner’s office vans were seen at the cordoned-off intersection of Bourbon and Canal Streets hours after the attack, as investigators combed the area for evidence.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell condemned the violence, calling it a “terrorist attack” and expressing solidarity with the victims’ families. President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland were briefed on the incident, with Biden pledging federal support.
