Man Intentionally Drives Speeding Truck Down Bourbon Street Killing at Least 10 People and Injuring More Than 30, Officials Say
Local officials in New Orleans say a man intentionally drove a speeding pickup truck down Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning at approximately 4:15 a.m. ET — killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 30.
Speaking with the press early Wednesday, New Orleans police superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said, “It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”
Officials confirm the suspect was shot and killed after he got out of his truck with an assault rifle. Two officers were shot and are in stable condition, the department said. They and the other injured victims have been transferred to five local hospitals.
FBI Special Agent-in-charge Alethea Duncan said at least one improvised explosive device was found at the scene. She added that the FBI is working on confirming whether the device was viable.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell labeled the incident a “terrorist attack” — although she was contradicted later in the news conference by Duncan, who said it was “not a terrorist event.”
Officials are urging visitors to stay away from Bourbon Street on what is a very busy day in the city — ahead of the College Football Playoff game on Wednesday night between Notre Dame and Georgia.
Watch above, via CNN.
This story is breaking and will be updated.
UPDATE 10:23 a.m. ET — The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has issued the following statement:
“The NOPD responded to a fatal traffic crash that occurred during the early hours today (January 1, 2024) at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal streets that has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, including the suspected perpetrator.
At about 3:17 a.m., multiple law enforcement officers responded to a report of a vehicle having driven into a crowd of pedestrians on Bourbon Street. Multiple people were reportedly struck before the vehicle crashed.
Upon further investigation, a total of 10 victims were declared to be deceased on scene. At this time, approximately 35 additional victims were determined to have suffered injuries in relation to this incident. Those injured were transported to multiple local and area hospitals via EMS for treatment. No updates are currently available on these victims’ conditions.
After the vehicle came to a stop, the suspect reportedly opened fire on responding officers, who returned fire. The victim was struck and subsequently declared deceased on scene. Further information on the suspect is not currently available for release.
Two NOPD officers were struck and injured in the exchange. Both were transported via EMS to a local hospital and were last listed in stable condition.
Investigation into this incident is ongoing. No further details are currently available. The next media briefing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CST to provide updates.
The public is urged to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine Streets and also east to Royal Street to west to Dauphine Street until further notice as this investigation is ongoing.
Anyone looking to connect with family or loved ones believed to have been in the area of this incident is urged to call 311 and not to call 911.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations will be the lead agency on this investigation. Anyone with information that can assist is urged to contact the FBI’s New Orleans Bureau by calling (504) 816-3000 or by emailing tips@fbi.gov.”
UPDATE 10:59 a.m. ET — Fox News is reporting that according to law enforcement sources, the suspect’s truck came through the border city of Eagle Pass, TX. They say the suspect’s citizenship status remains unconfirmed.
