FBI Now Says it is Investigating Bourbon Street Attack as an Act of Terrorism, After Agent On Scene Initially Said it Was ‘Not a Terrorist Event’

The FBI now says it is investigating the Bourbon Street attack as an act of terrorism — after the lead agent on the scene initially said it was “not a terrorist event.”

In a new statement obtained by multiple outlets, the bureau said it is looking into Wednesday’s attack — in which, officials say, a man plowed through Bourbon Street in a speeding pickup truck, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 30 others — as an act of terrorism.

“This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others. The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.”

Speaking at the scene approximately two hours earlier, FBI special agent-in-charge Alethea Duncan first said “this is not a terrorist event.” That contradicted the categorization from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell at the same news conference, who said the attack was indeed an act of terrorism.

Special Agent Duncan added, at the news conference, that at least one improvised explosive device was found at the scene — and that the FBI was working to determine whether the device was viable.

The FBI and local police are scheduled to deliver an update at press conference scheduled for 12 p.m. ET.

Watch above, via CNN.