New Orleans mayor calls incident 'terrorist attack' after 10 killed, 30 injured

The incident happened late Wednesday during New Year’s celebrations at New Orleans' vibrant Canal and Bourbon Streets

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At Least 10 Dead, Dozens Injured as Vehicle Ploughs Into New Orleans Crowd
At least ten people have died and thirty others have been injured after a pickup truck deliberately drove into a crowd in New Orleans, Louisiana, police have confirmed.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has described the deadly New Year's Day mass casualty incident, which claimed the lives of ten people and injured thirty, as a "terrorist attack."

The FBI is currently investigating the events of early Wednesday morning when a vehicle drove into a crowd on the city’s iconic Canal and Bourbon Streets.

Alethea Duncan, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the FBI’s New Orleans field office, confirmed that authorities are also probing the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene.

The incident occurred late on Wednesday during New Year’s celebrations at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, areas renowned for their vibrant festivities.

New Orleans emergency response programme, NOLA Ready, urged residents to avoid the vicinity following the tragedy.

Intentional behaviour

Speaking to reporters, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the act as deliberate:
“It did involve a man driving a pickup truck down Bourbon Street at a very fast pace, and it was very intentional behaviour,” she said.

At least 10 people were killed when a truck drove into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans [Screen grab/ YouTube]

At least 10 people were killed when a truck drove into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans [Screen grab/ YouTube]

Kirkpatrick dismissed speculation that the driver was under the influence, adding:
“This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could … it was not a DUI situation.”

During the chaos, the perpetrator also shot two police officers, both of whom are now in stable condition.

Eyewitness reports

CBS News cited witnesses who described the truck speeding into the crowd before the driver exited the vehicle and began firing a weapon. Police returned fire at the scene.

The city’s mayor has labelled the attack an act of terrorism. NOLA Ready confirmed the scale of the tragedy in a statement:
“The 8th District is currently working [on] a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street. There are 30 injured patients … and 10 fatalities.”

Governor and officials react

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the event as “a horrific act of violence” in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. He urged residents to stay clear of the area as investigations continue.

The injured victims have been transported to five separate hospitals across the city.

Celebrations marred by tragedy

The attack came just hours before the Allstate Bowl, a major college football quarterfinal held at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome, which was expected to draw thousands of attendees.

New Orleans has a history of violence disrupting public celebrations. In November 2024, two people were killed, and ten others were injured in separate shootings along a parade route. Additionally, in February 2017, a highly intoxicated man drove a pickup truck into Mardi Gras spectators, injuring over 20 people.

Videos shared on social media and verified by Al Jazeera captured the aftermath of the latest tragedy, showing panicked bystanders fleeing to safety as gunshots rang out.

This devastating attack has shocked a city renowned for its lively parades and community spirit, leaving many questioning how such an act could occur during a moment of celebration.