In a tragic incident early Wednesday morning, a driver deliberately plowed into a crowd of people in New Orleans, resulting in the death of at least 15 individuals and leaving at least 35 others injured. The driver also engaged in gunfire with the police, further escalating the chaos of the situation.
Superintendent Anne E. Kirkpatrick of the New Orleans Police Department described the driver's actions as intentional, stating that he drove a pickup truck down Bourbon Street at a high speed, attempting to hit as many people as possible. The driver also reportedly shot two police officers, who are thankfully in stable condition.
President Joe Biden later labeled the incident as a potential act of terrorism, and the FBI has taken the lead in the investigation. Witnesses at the scene described the horrifying scene of the truck slamming into pedestrians and the chaos that ensued with gunshots ringing out.
The city's emergency preparedness campaign, NOLA Ready, initially reported the incident as a mass casualty situation involving a vehicle driving into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street. Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana condemned the violence and urged prayers for the victims and first responders.
With New Orleans set to host the Sugar Bowl on the same day, security measures were heightened, with an increased police presence in the French Quarter. Authorities found an improvised explosive device at the scene and were working to determine its viability.
As the investigation continues into this horrific event, the city of New Orleans remains on high alert, urging residents and visitors to exercise caution and avoid the affected area. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can occur in crowded public spaces and the importance of vigilance in ensuring public safety.