A man “desperate to cause a massacre” drove a van at full speed into a crowd celebrating the New Year in New Orleans on Wednesday, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 35 before being shot dead by the police.
The incident occurred around 03:15 local time (09:15 GMT) in the heart of the famous French Quarter of this city in the United States, which was full of people celebrating the arrival of 2025.
“This man, the perpetrator, shot at our officers from the vehicle when he crashed it. Two police officers were shot. “They are stable,” the Police Superintendent said in a press conference. Anne Kirkpatrickby ensuring that the attacker “He tried to run over as many people as possible.“.
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“He was determined to cause the massacre and the damage it caused“he added.
The FBI, which assumed operational command of the investigations, indicated that the incident is being analyzed as a possible terrorist act and confirmed the death of the attacker.
“A man drove a vehicle into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing several people and injuring dozens more. The subject exchanged shots with the police and is now dead. He FBI directs the investigation under the hypothesis of a terrorist act“That federal agency said in a statement.
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The governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landrydescribed the incident as a “horrible act of violence.” The New Orleans attack occurred just ten days after a similar attack in the city of Magdeburgin the east of Germanyin which Five people died and more than 200 were injured.
A suspected improvised explosive device was found at the scene, the FBI reported. “We are working to confirm whether this is a viable artifact or not.“Special Agent Alethea Duncan said at a press conference.
Incident in New Orleans described as “Horrible”
The president Joe Biden was informed of the “horrible” attack and called the mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrellto offer him all the support, indicated the White House.
In the early hours of the year, the area was bustling with people celebrating in the French Quarter, a district famous for its bars, restaurants and jazz history.
According to witnesses testifying to the network CBSa speeding vehicle plowed into the crowd just before its driver jumped to the ground and began firing a gun, as police returned fire.
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A white van crashed through a barricade.at high speed“. “Once he passed us, we heard gunshots and saw police running in that direction,” he told CBS. Nicole Mowrer.
“When the shooting stopped, we went out into the street and found many people who had been hit. (We wanted to) see what we could do to help“he added.
New Orleans is one of the most visited destinations in the United States and the incident occurred shortly before the city hosts a major American football game, known as Sugar Bowlwhich features teams from the University of Georgia and Notre Dame.
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According to municipal authorities, surveillance was intense during the New Year, as the city prepared to welcome crowds.
The local police department had announced a staffing “100 percent, with 300 additional officers“, even on horseback and using unmarked units.
The iconic French Quarter posted special offers for the New Year, including LGBTQ+ parties and a drag cabaret near where the incident took place.