The tragedy struck on the first of January in New Orleans when a pickup truck driver drove into a crowd of people celebrating in the French Quarter, at least 10 people died and more than 35 were injured. The driver, who later engaged in a shooting with the police, was said by the authorities to be determined to cause mayhem
The attack occurred around 3:15 am at the busy junction of Canal and Bourbon Street, a place that is always alive at night. Eyewitnesses said that the driver drove the truck at a very high speed through a barrier and then shot at the people and police. Two police officers were injured during the shooting but the injuries are not life-threatening.
The FBI, which has now taken over the investigation, said that it found a possible explosive at the scene. The attack is being described as an “act of terrorism.” The suspect, who was shot dead during the scuffle, was said to have been driving with the aim of causing the most damage.
The emergency services reported that 30 people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described it as a ‘horrific act of violence’.
Other witnesses, such as Jim and Nicole Mowrer, said that there was a lot of confusion and that police acted quickly when the shooting began. The French Quarter, filled with people celebrating New Year’s eve, became a scene of disaster just days before the city is set to host the Sugar Bowl, a college football championship.
The attack resembles another car-ramming in Germany on December 20, in which five people were killed and over 200 injured. The German attacker, who is said to be of Saudi origin, is currently undergoing evaluation for possible mental disorder.
NOPD had provided extra officers for New Year’s festivities, but the event has led to questions on security in crowd events. The probe goes on while the city buries its dead.
