A horrifying New Year’s Day tragedy unfolded in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter when a pickup truck plowed through a crowd of pedestrians, leaving 10 dead and 30 injured in what authorities are investigating as a potential terrorist attack.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, along Canal and Bourbon Streets—iconic locations bustling with celebratory crowds for New Year’s Eve and the upcoming Sugar Bowl college football game at the nearby Superdome.
Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver’s actions as deliberate. “He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” Kirkpatrick said. She reassured the public that law enforcement would remain vigilant, and the Sugar Bowl would proceed as scheduled. “This was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could.”
Officials have not yet disclosed the driver’s identity, possible motives, or whether an ongoing threat exists. However, Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, confirmed that at least one suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered at the scene, adding another layer of urgency to the investigation.
Emergency responders transported the injured to five local hospitals. Among those injured was a police officer. NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness department, is coordinating efforts to assist victims and ensure public safety.
The White House issued a statement confirming that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation.
As New Orleans grapples with the shock of this tragedy, questions remain about the driver’s motives and whether the attack is connected to broader threats. Authorities are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant while they continue their investigation.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
