Attacker hit crowd with his pickup: 10 dead, 30 injured

A pickup truck driver, described by officials as “hell-bent on carnage,” plowed through a crowd of pedestrians in New Orleans’ French Quarter early Wednesday, killing 10 and injuring 30 in what authorities are investigating as a terrorist attack.

Attack in the Heart of the French Quarter

The tragedy unfolded at approximately 3:15 a.m. along Bourbon Street, a world-renowned hotspot for New Year’s Eve celebrations. The city was already bustling with revelers and fans in town for the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome later that day.

“He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” said Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick. She assured the public that police would work to ensure safety at the Sugar Bowl, which remains scheduled as planned.

“This was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could,” Kirkpatrick added.

Investigation and Explosive Discovery

Authorities have not disclosed the driver’s identity or any potential motive for the attack. The FBI’s New Orleans field office, led by Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan, is investigating the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device (IED) at the scene.

Officials have yet to confirm whether there is an ongoing threat to the public.

Casualties and Emergency Response

NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness department, reported that the injured were transported to five local hospitals. Among the injured was a police officer.

President Briefed on the Situation

The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the attack, though no additional details have been released.

As New Orleans grapples with this devastating act of violence, questions remain about the driver’s motives and whether further threats to public safety persist.