A man intentionally drove his pickup truck into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter early Wednesday morning, killing 10 people and injuring dozens more, authorities said. . New Orleans Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick said the man bypassed barricades and drove down Bourbon Street at high speeds, making a “very deliberate move” before firing at officers. .
Two people involved told CBS News that the driver died, but it was not immediately clear how he died.
“This guy was trying to run over as many people as he could,” Kirkpatrick said, adding that two police officers were struck by gunfire but are in stable condition.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell called it a possible “terrorist attack,” but New Orleans FBI Assistant Special Agent Alecia Duncan, who spoke with other officials Wednesday morning, called the incident such. was not characterized.
Gerald Herbert/Associated Press
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called it a “terrible act of violence” and said he and his wife “we pray for all the victims and first responders on the scene.” He urged people to avoid the area.
The popular tourist destination was packed with New Year revelers at the time of the apparent attack.
“He was hell-bent on creating carnage and damage,” Kirkpatrick said.
Witnesses told CBS News’ Kati Weiss that a white truck crashed into people on Bourbon Street at high speed, the driver began firing from inside the vehicle, and police returned fire.
The city of New Orleans said in a statement posted online that 30 people were taken to area hospitals with injuries, and 10 were pronounced dead. Kirkpatrick later said at least 35 people were hospitalized.
Duncan said possible improvised explosive devices were also found nearby, but it was unclear if they were related. No other information was provided.
Duncan said the FBI will lead the investigation. The White House said President Biden has been briefed on the attack and his administration has contacted Cantrell to offer assistance.
Weiss saw multiple people being treated for injuries on the ground near the intersection of Bourbon Street and Canal Street.
Jim and Nicole Maurer were visiting New Orleans from Iowa and witnessed the incident. Nicole told CBS News she was watching the city’s fireworks display and enjoying the New Year’s Day atmosphere in the French Quarter when she heard a rustling noise coming from down the street. He then saw a white truck drive through the barricade at a “high speed”.
Lawn workers said they heard a crash followed by gunshots and tried to help the people they found injured, only to realize the victim was dead.
“We were pretty close to where it happened,” she said, estimating the truck hit just about a block away from where people were walking.
CBS News/Katie Weiss
“As they passed us, I heard gunshots and saw police running in that direction,” Nicole said. “Once the gunshots stopped, we stayed in the alcove until the shots stopped, then went out into the street and met several victims. (We) wanted to see what we could do to help. ”
Mowers said the victim they saw had injuries from the truck crash and no obvious gunshot wounds. They said they left the area as emergency personnel began arriving.
The Sugar Bowl college football playoff game is scheduled to be held later that day at the nearby Superdome. Kirkpatrick said police officers will be working to ensure safety at the Sugar Bowl and indicated the game will go ahead as scheduled.
