Truck Plows Into Crowd In New Orleans’ French Quarter, Mayor Calls It A ‘Terrorist Attack’

 A white pickup truck plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter at a high rate of speed early Wednesday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens of others in what the mayor described as a “terrorist attack.”

According to CBS News, the driver exited the vehicle after slamming into people celebrating New Year’s Day on Canal and Bourbon Street  around 3:15 am and began firing a weapon. Law enforcement reportedly returned fire. Two police officers were shot and are in stable condition. The suspect died after exchanging gunfire. The FBI has taken over the investigation.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the situation a “terrorist attack” while addressing the media, however, moments later, an FBI spokesperson said it was not a terrorist event. Authorities said the situation appeared to be intentional.

“He was hell bent on creating the carnage and the damage he did,” saidNew Orleans Police Department chief Anne Kirkpatrick. She added that the driver was “trying to run over as many people as he possibly could.”

Kirkpatrick said the driver drove past barricades to get to the crowds.

At least 26 individuals were transported to hospitals with injuries.

FBI New Orleans special agent-in-charge Alethea Duncan said at least one improvised explosive device (IED) was found at the scene but authorities had not confirmed if it was “a viable device,” Axios reported.

Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry took to social media requesting prayers for the victims and first responders, describing the situation as “a horrific act of violence.”