
Tragedy has struck the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.
On Wednesday, January 1, at approximately 3:17 a.m., an electric Ford pickup truck speeding down Bourbon Street evaded barricades and struck a crowd, killing ten and injuring more than 30.
After striking the crowd with his vehicle, the suspect exchanged gunfire with several police officers, injuring two in the process. Subsequently, the suspect was shot and later pronounced dead by the New Orleans Police Department.
“The victim was struck and subsequently declared deceased on scene. Further information on the suspect is not currently available for release.
Two NOPD officers were struck and injured in the exchange,” the New Orleans Police Department stated.
“Both were transported via EMS to a local hospital and were last listed in stable condition. Investigation into this incident is ongoing. No further details are currently available. The next media briefing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CST to provide updates.”
Upon further investigation, authorities uncovered several items from inside the vehicle, including firearms, explosives, and an “Islamic State group flag.” In an additional statement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said that authorities were investigating the mass casualty event as an “act of terrorism.”
“My heart is broken for those who began their year by learning people they love were killed in this horrific attack, and my prayers are with the dozens who were injured, including the New Orleans Police Department Officers who risked their lives to save others,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated.
“The FBI is investigating this matter as an act of terrorism. The FBI, the ATF, the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and will deploy every available resource to conduct this investigation.”