Tragedy Strikes in New Orleans: Driver's Rampage in French Quarter

In a devastating attack in New Orleans' French Quarter, a driver crashed a pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year's Day, killing 10 and injuring over 35. The suspect died in a shootout with police, and authorities are investigating it as a potential act of terrorism.

A devastating early morning attack marred New Year's Day celebrations in New Orleans' French Quarter, as a driver plowed a pickup truck into a crowd and opened fire, resulting in ten fatalities and over thirty-five injuries. The assailant died in a subsequent shootout with police, FBI officials confirmed on Wednesday, labeling the event a potential act of terrorism.

Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver as attempting to cause maximum harm by intentionally crashing into revelers. The attack also left two police officers injured when the driver swerved around barricades and fired at them. The tragedy unfolded at the crowded intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, a famed tourist hotspot known for its vibrant nightlife.

Despite the chaos, city officials vowed to continue hosting major events like the Sugar Bowl and upcoming NFL Super Bowl, with heightened security measures. President Joe Biden offered full federal support to New Orleans, as authorities launched a thorough investigation into the motives behind this horrific act of violence, which Mayor LaToya Cantrell condemned as a terrorist attack.

(With inputs from agencies.)