A deadly car-ramming attack in New Orleans has thrown chaos and mourning into New Year’s celebrations in the Louisiana city, as authorities investigate the incident as an act of “terrorism.”
At least 10 people were killed when a Ford pickup truck plowed into early morning crowds on Bourbon Street, in the heart of the French Quarter, one of the American city’s most tourist areas.
Another 35 people were injured in Wednesday’s attack, which officials quickly determined was more than an accident.
The pickup truck eventually crashed, and the driver opened fire on law enforcement as he attempted to flee. Two officers were shot and the suspect was killed during the exchange of gunfire.
The FBI later identified the suspect as a 42-year-old American citizen named Shamsuddin Jabbar from neighboring Texas.
At an afternoon news conference, Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent for the FBI’s New Orleans branch, said he did not believe Jabbar was “solely responsible” for the attack and appealed to the public for more information.
Investigators revealed that they found what appeared to be an explosive device in his car, in addition to a flag belonging to the armed organization ISIS.
The bloodshed on Bourbon Street led to an outpouring of condolences from American leaders, including outgoing President Joe Biden and his successor, President-elect Donald Trump, who is scheduled to take office on January 20.
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday,” Biden wrote in a statement. He added: “There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.”
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a center for Cajun culture in the United States, which features a mixture of French, African, and indigenous influences.
The city’s French Quarter is a beacon for tourists looking to enjoy New Orleans-style jazz, drinking, and entertainment. The city brings in billions Tourism revenues every year.
The hit-and-run accident is being investigated, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is taking the lead in the investigation. No motive has been released yet.
But New Orleans Police Director Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that the attack was “highly premeditated.”
“This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil,” she said at the afternoon news conference. “And when we face evil, we have a choice.”
“I promise you, as this city’s police chief, this city has been tried by fire before. But fire purifies. Fire makes things stronger.”
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