The FBI has confirmed that the driver responsible for the New Orleans attack on New Year’s Day, which killed 10 people, is dead. Police had previously shared this information.
The tragedy happened at about 3:15 a.m. on January 1 when a pickup truck sped down Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, a popular area in New Orleans. The truck hit and killed 10 people and injured about 35 others... Continue reading here ▶
After the crash, the driver got into a shootout with police. Two officers were injured during the exchange but are in stable condition. The New Orleans Police Department confirmed that the driver died during the shootout.
In a statement, the FBI said, “This morning, someone drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing and injuring many people.
The individual later engaged with law enforcement and is now deceased.” The FBI is leading the investigation and is treating this as a potential act of terrorism.
Earlier in the day, FBI Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan told reporters that this was not being considered a terrorist event. However, explosive devices were found, and authorities are investigating whether they are functional.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver’s actions as deliberate. She said, “This wasn’t a DUI. This person intentionally tried to hit as many people as possible. He avoided barricades to cause maximum damage.”
Details about the suspect have not yet been released. Police plan to provide more updates at 11 a.m. ET on January 1.
