FBI Investigates Deadly Vehicle Attack in New Orleans as Terrorism
A tragic incident occurred in New Orleans during New Year's celebrations, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and injuring numerous others. A vehicle plowed into a crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time, prompting immediate emergency responses from local authorities.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, was killed during a confrontation with law enforcement. According to the FBI, an Islamic State (IS) flag was discovered inside the vehicle, suggesting a potential link to terrorist activities. Additionally, the suspect was reportedly in possession of a possible improvised explosive device (IED).
The FBI has classified the event as an act of terrorism, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether the driver acted alone or if accomplices were involved. Authorities have reached out to the public for assistance in identifying any additional suspects connected to the attack.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick labeled the perpetrator as a terrorist, emphasizing the gravity of the situation as law enforcement continues to assess the scene. The FBI has taken over the investigation due to the incident's implications and the potential presence of explosives.
In a statement, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, declaring the attack horrific. He assured that federal support would be provided to the city in response to the tragedy. The President also noted that the suspect had shared extremist content on social media prior to the attack, indicating a desire to inflict harm.
The chaotic scene unfolded as revelers were still present in the bustling French Quarter, a popular destination for tourists. Following the vehicle attack, two police officers were wounded when the suspect fired at them from the pickup truck. Fortunately, both officers are reported to be in stable condition.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the violence and called for prayers for the affected families. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed solidarity, stating that New Orleans, a city cherished by the French, had been struck by terrorism.
As investigators delve deeper into the incident, they are also examining a separate explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck that occurred in Las Vegas on the same evening, to determine if there is any connection between the two events.
The horrific occurrence serves as a grim reminder of the rising trend of vehicle attacks used as weapons against civilians, echoing similar incidents around the world.
