By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, resulting in ten fatalities and over thirty injuries. The driver subsequently fired upon police officers, who returned fire. The incident, occurring in a crowded tourist area, is being investigated, though its precise motivation remains unclear. Officials have confirmed that the driver’s actions were deliberate, targeting revelers.
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A vehicle apparently slammed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans during New Year’s celebrations, resulting in at least ten fatalities and numerous injuries. Initial reports from WWL-TV suggested ten deaths and twenty-six injuries, but later updates from the City of New Orleans confirmed ten fatalities and thirty injuries. WDSU later reported twelve fatalities and twenty-seven injuries, highlighting the fluidity of information in the immediate aftermath of such a tragic event.
The incident unfolded when a vehicle, reportedly an SUV, rammed into the crowd. Subsequently, the suspect exited the vehicle and opened fire, prompting police to return fire. Videos circulating online, though disturbing and NSFW, appear to corroborate this sequence of events and show the aftermath, including casualties. The chaotic scene prompted immediate concern and emergency response.
The status of the suspect remained initially unclear. Early reports did not confirm whether the suspect was killed, wounded, or apprehended. Later reports from WDSU indicated the suspect was dead, but the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) initially stated that the suspect had not been taken into custody. This discrepancy in reporting underscored the chaotic nature of the situation and the challenges in gathering accurate information swiftly.
The incident prompted an immediate outpouring of grief and concern. Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana issued a statement offering prayers for the victims and first responders, urging people near the scene to avoid the area. Witnesses described horrifying scenes; one account recounted seeing a body flying through the air after the vehicle struck the crowd and hearing gunshots.
The location of the incident was further clarified as Bourbon Street heading northbound near the Iberville Street crossing. Photos emerged showing the vehicle’s Texas license plate and numerous bullet impacts on the rear windshield. The vehicle’s license plate details and potential rental status also became areas of investigation.
The mayor of New Orleans initially referred to the incident as a terrorist attack, though an FBI spokeswoman later stated it wasn’t a terrorist event. This conflicting information, released in close proximity during a press conference, created confusion and highlighted the complexities of defining the nature of the attack in the midst of an ongoing investigation. Reports also mentioned a suspicious package and the discovery of an undetonated improvised explosive device (IED) near the scene. Two police officers were reported injured by gunfire.
The lack of bollards, or their temporary removal due to ongoing replacement work in preparation for the upcoming Super Bowl, was also highlighted as a contributing factor by some, emphasizing concerns about the vulnerability of crowds to vehicle-borne attacks. Discussions ensued concerning the lack of preventative security measures and the urgent need for improved infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies.
The overall narrative revealed a tragic incident with multiple casualties, a suspected armed assailant, inconsistencies in early reports, and an unfolding investigation by the FBI. The event triggered a wide range of emotions and reactions, from grief and condolences to concerns about potential motives, security measures, and the implications for future public safety. The confusion and conflicting information surrounding the event’s classification as a terrorist attack served to further complicate the situation, underscoring the need for a thorough and comprehensive investigation to ascertain the full facts and context. The incident marked a horrific start to the new year, raising broader questions about public safety and the escalating frequency of mass violence.