In the bustling French Quarter of New Orleans, a devastating event unfolded on a Wednesday afternoon as a vehicle crashed into a crowded area, resulting in the loss of 10 lives and injuring 30 others. The tragic incident occurred on Bourbon Street, a popular spot for tourists, where the vehicle careened through a dense crowd.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the driver of the vehicle got out and started firing at pedestrians, prompting police officers to engage in a firefight that led to injuries to two officers. New Orleans police superintendent, Anne Kirkpatrick, characterized the incident as a deliberate act of violence, stating that the driver had the intention of harming as many people as possible.
The chaos began around 3:15 p.m. local time, with many of the victims believed to be local residents, although formal identification was pending. The death toll and the count of injuries might fluctuate as investigations progress.
The FBI has taken charge of the inquiry, with FBI agent Althea Duncan revealing that although the shooting is not deemed a terrorist attack, improvised explosive devices were found at the scene. Authorities are scrutinizing the devices to ascertain their viability, advising the public to steer clear of the area for safety reasons.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his dismay at the appalling act of violence, offering condolences to the victims and lauding the swift response of the first responders. The incident has left the city in shock as officials strive to uncover the motive behind the attack and guarantee public safety.