Updated (9:55 a.m. ET): Contrary to previous public statements, the FBI confirmed that its agents are indeed investigating the incident as a terrorist attack. The agency has not yet released any clues to the public about the attacker's possible motives.
Updated (9 a.m. ET): Police have now confirmed that the person believed to be responsible for the attack has died. His identity has not yet been confirmed. The FBI also indicated that the truck driven by the attackers had been fitted with an improvised explosive device, but fortunately it did not detonate. The FBI is currently investigating whether these devices are viable. The FBI continues to dispute the designation of the attack as a “terrorist attack.”
A man plowed his pickup truck into a crowd of partygoers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans early Wednesday morning, causing fear and leaving 10 people dead and at least 30 hospitalized with serious injuries. The suspect then got out of the car and began firing a gun, police said. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell declared the incident a “terrorist attack” at a news conference Wednesday morning. However, the F.B.I. objected to that characterization.said the agency has not yet confirmed this.
The attack reportedly occurred around 3:15 a.m. local time. The intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville.
“It involved a man driving a pickup truck at a high rate of speed on Bourbon Street, and it was a very deliberate act. was trying to escape.” Targeting as many people as possible…Based on the information we have now, this was a more complex and serious situation. ”
Kirkpatrick also indicated that the FBI has taken over the investigation of the case.
Police have not yet released information about the suspect, including whether he is in custody, dead or still at large. A witness at the scene told a local television station. WWL-TV Police said they saw the suspect get out of his car and begin firing into the crowd, before officers returned fire. New Orleans police confirmed that two officers were injured in the attack, but it was not immediately clear whether they were injured by the truck, gunfire, or both. The extent and severity of his injuries are also unknown.
This is a developing story and will be updated as conditions change.
