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New Year’s Celebration in New Orleans Turns Tragic: 10 Dead, 30+ Injured in Bourbon Street Attack
New Orleans ushered in 2025 with tragedy early Wednesday morning as a driver deliberately drove through crowds on Bourbon Street, killing 10 people and injuring over 30. The suspect, described as “hellbent on creating carnage,” was fatally shot by police after firing at responding officers.
A Deliberate Act of Violence
The incident occurred at approximately 3:17 a.m. as celebrations on Bourbon Street continued. The driver entered the intersection at Canal Street, plowing into revelers before crashing into a construction vehicle on the 300 block of Bourbon Street.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver’s actions as intentional and calculated. “This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and damage that he did,” she said at a morning press briefing.
Two responding officers were injured by gunfire from the suspect before they returned fire, ultimately killing him. Both officers are reported to be in stable condition.
FBI Investigates Terrorism Motive
The FBI, now leading the investigation, revealed that the suspect had improvised explosive devices in his vehicle. While the motive remains unclear, officials are treating the incident as an act of terrorism.
“This is a horrific act of violence, and we are working tirelessly to uncover the motive behind this tragedy,” the FBI said in a statement.
Witness Accounts of the Chaos
Jim and Nicole Mowrer, visitors from Iowa, recounted the terrifying scene to CBS News. The couple was on Bourbon Street when they heard a loud crash and saw a white pickup truck speed through a barricade.
“The truck just barreled past us at an alarming speed. Then we heard gunshots and saw officers running toward the chaos,” Jim Mowrer said.
Nicole added, “When the gunfire stopped, we stepped out and saw several people injured. We did what we could to help before leaving the area.”
Community and Official Reactions
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his grief, urging prayers for the victims and first responders. “A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and me in praying for all the victims and first responders,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have yet to release the suspect’s identity, and the investigation remains active. The presence of explosive devices in the vehicle has heightened concerns and drawn federal resources to the case.
As New Orleans grapples with the aftermath, the attack serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance during large public gatherings.
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