The New Year began on a heartbreaking note in New Orleans, where what was meant to be a fun celebration for 2025 took a tragic turn.
Early Wednesday morning, a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, resulting in a devastating incident that left ten people dead and dozens injured.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick detailed the horrific events, stating that the assailant drove around barricades and surged down Bourbon Street in “very intentional behavior” before opening fire on responding officers. “This man was trying to run over as many people as he could,” Kirkpatrick noted. Fortunately, two police officers were struck by gunfire but are reported to be in stable condition.
In a statement released online, the City of New Orleans confirmed that 30 individuals were transported to local hospitals due to their injuries, with the death toll standing at ten. Superintendent Kirkpatrick later updated the figures, indicating that at least 35 people required hospitalization. Adding to the alarming situation, Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan from the New Orleans FBI reported that possible improvised explosives were discovered nearby, though their connection to the incident remains unclear.
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Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the act, calling it “a horrific act of violence.” He expressed his prayers for all victims and first responders at the scene, urging the public to steer clear of the affected area.
The FBI has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation into the tragic event. Meanwhile, President Biden has been briefed on the attack, with the White House confirming that his administration is in communication with Mayor LaToya Cantrell to provide necessary support during this distressing time.
So far there’s been no further details about the suspect, or the motive behind this latest crime. We will continue to keep you updated as this story develops.
