New Orleans, January 1, 2025 – A horrifying act of violence marred New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans when a suspect drove a vehicle at high speed into a crowd of revelers in the French Quarter, killing 10 people and injuring 30. The tragedy unfolded at 3:15 a.m. along Bourbon Street, a world-famous hub for New Year’s Eve festivities.
The Incident and Aftermath
The vehicle plowed through a packed crowd, with witnesses describing scenes of chaos and terror. The French Quarter, already bustling with partygoers and visitors anticipating the Sugar Bowl college football game later that day, turned into a site of devastation.
Whit Davis, 22, who had been leaving a nightclub at the time, described the panic:
“Everyone started yelling and screaming and running to the back. We basically went into lockdown for a while, and when they let us out, the police were waving us to leave quickly. I saw a few dead bodies and many people receiving first aid.”
Emergency responders transported the injured to five local hospitals. Among the injured, two police officers were shot during a firefight with the suspect but are now in stable condition.
Suspect Neutralized
The suspect, who was described as “hell-bent on carnage,” was killed during a confrontation with law enforcement after exiting the vehicle and engaging in a firefight. Officials have not disclosed the suspect’s identity or motive but confirmed that the act was intentional.
“This was very intentional behavior. This individual was trying to run over as many people as possible,” said Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick.
Investigating a Possible Terrorist Attack
The FBI, now leading the investigation, is treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, confirmed the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device (IED) at the scene.
At a news conference, Mayor LaToya Cantrell condemned the killings, calling them a “terrorist attack.”
Heightened Security Measures
In response to the incident, New Orleans police assured the public of their commitment to safety, emphasizing that the Sugar Bowl would proceed as planned. Additional security measures have been implemented to protect attendees.
“Our officers will ensure the safety of everyone attending the game,” Commissioner Kirkpatrick stated.
Community in Mourning
As the city processes the tragedy, vigils and support initiatives are being organized to honor the victims and aid the injured. Mayor Cantrell expressed her condolences:
“This senseless act of violence has deeply wounded our city, but we will come together to heal and seek justice.”
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward, ensuring a thorough investigation into this devastating start to the new year.
