New Orleans Nightmare: Car Plows Into Crowd, 10 Dead, 30 Hurt
New Orleans, Louisiana – A horrifying attack on Bourbon Street has left ten people dead and 35 others injured after a man drove a truck into a crowd and opened fire early Tuesday morning. Authorities are investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
What Happened?
At around 3:15 AM local time (9:15 GMT), the suspect sped down Bourbon Street in a pickup truck, deliberately hitting pedestrians, according to Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick. After crashing, the man shot at two police officers, injuring them.
“The suspect was hell-bent on causing destruction,” Kirkpatrick said. Witnesses described a chaotic scene with people fleeing in panic and bodies lying on the street.
The attacker was killed on-site by law enforcement, the FBI confirmed. An improvised explosive device was also found near the scene, though officials are still determining its viability.
Witness Accounts
Shocked witnesses recounted the mayhem:
- Whit Davis, a visitor from Shreveport, said people hid under tables when the attack began. “When we were allowed to leave, we walked past dead and injured bodies in the street. It was horrifying.”
- Jim and Nicole Mowrer, tourists from Iowa, heard a truck crash through a barricade followed by gunfire. They tried to assist victims but soon realized many had already died.
- An unnamed hotel worker described hearing loud bangs and seeing bodies on the ground. “The scene was just horrific,” he said.
Emergency Response
Emergency responders quickly arrived, treating the injured and securing the area. The FBI and local police are collaborating on the investigation. Special Agent Althea Duncan confirmed that the incident is being treated as terrorism.
Official Reactions
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the attack and is receiving updates throughout the day, the White House stated. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his condolences on social media, calling it “a horrific act of violence.”
A Community in Shock
Bourbon Street, a popular tourist destination in New Orleans, is now the site of one of the city’s deadliest attacks in recent memory. The majority of the victims are believed to be locals, though investigations are ongoing.
Stay Updated
For the latest developments, stay tuned to local news outlets and follow updates from law enforcement agencies.
New Orleans Nightmare: Car Plows Into Crowd, 10 Dead, 30 Hurt
