At least 15 people were killed when a Ford pickup truck drove into early-morning crowds on Bourbon Street, a popular area in the French Quarter, one of New Orleans’ busiest tourist locations.
More than 30 others were injured in the attack, which officials quickly confirmed was no accident.
After crashing into the crowd, the driver attempted to flee, firing at law enforcement.
Two officers were injured in the gunfire, and the suspect was killed in the exchange.
The FBI later identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US citizen and military veteran from Texas.
During an afternoon press conference, Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent for the FBI’s New Orleans office, stated that Jabbar was not believed to be the “solely responsible” party for the attack, urging the public for more information.
Investigators found what appeared to be an explosive device in his vehicle, as well as a flag linked to the ISIS terrorist group.
The tragedy on Bourbon Street drew widespread expressions of sympathy from US leaders, including President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20.
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday,” Biden said in a statement. “There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.”
New Orleans, situated on the Mississippi River, is a hub of Cajun culture in the US, influenced by French, African, and Indigenous roots. The city’s French Quarter draws millions of tourists annually, contributing billions to the economy.
The investigation into the car-ramming is ongoing, led by the FBI, with no motive disclosed as of yet.
However, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick emphasized the deliberate nature of the attack.
“This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil,” she stated at the press conference. “And when we face evil, we have a choice.”
“I promise you, as the chief of police of this city, this city has been tried by fire before. But fire purifies. Fire makes things stronger.”
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