At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured when a driver rammed his pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers. New Orleans On Wednesday, the vehicle was spotted crossing the US-Mexico border into Texas.
The driver, a man, allegedly jumped out of the vehicle and fired at the police after hitting the crowd. Officials confirmed that a brief exchange of gunfire resulted in the suspect’s death at the scene. Police say 35 people injured in the attack have been shifted to five hospitals across the city.
Fox News has learned that the truck used in the attack had Texas license plates, and that it was tracked crossing the southern border in Eagle Pass, Texas, two days before the attack.
It has not been confirmed that the attacker was driving when he crossed the border. Police have also not confirmed the attacker’s immigration status.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident a “terrorist attack” at a Wednesday morning briefing, and FBI agents confirmed they were investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. .
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Police say that two officers were injured in the attack, but both are in a stable condition. It is not clear whether he was injured by the vehicle or during the exchange of fire.
President-elect Trump also addressed the attack in a statement, vowing to help authorities investigate the attack after taking office.
“When I said that the criminals in our country are worse than the criminals coming in, that statement was constantly denied by Democrats and the fake news media, but it turned out to be true. Our country has a low crime rate. A level that As no one has seen before, our hearts go out to all of these innocent people and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department as they investigate and stop this pure evil in the city of New Orleans. !” Trump said.
Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed that the FBI is investigating the incident as a terrorist attack.
“The FBI is investigating this matter as an act of terrorism. The FBI, ATF, the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, and the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are our law enforcement officers “We will continue to work with partners and deploy every available resource to carry out this investigation,” he added.
Police sources also confirmed to Fox News Digital that they found multiple explosive devices at the scene that appeared to be viable.
A front desk worker at a hotel near the site of the attack told Fox News that she heard two “soft bangs” shortly after arriving at work at 6 a.m. She said she did not know police had explosives. Cleaning for or not.
President Biden says he has been “constantly briefed” about the attack since Wednesday morning and is in contact with Homeland Security Secretary Ali Meyerkas and other senior administration officials.
“I’ll be getting updates throughout the day, and I’ll have more to say as we have more information to share. In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims and their families who are just trying to celebrate the holiday. “There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate attacks on any community in our nation,” Biden said in a statement.
The incident happened around 3:15 a.m. at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville, a local news station reported WGNO reported.
Former FBI Special Agent Chris Swecker told Fox News Digital that New Orleans “has always been a tough police department.”
“This type of event is actually predictable, and it’s fundamental that you protect the highest concentration of people at the event. You have to question how a truck drove through the circle. I’m a lone gunman. Can see passing by, it’s hard to understand. A truck was breaching the perimeter, I suspect they were guarding it with wooden barriers.
“I can guarantee you last night in Times Square that they were guarding that perimeter with vehicles and concrete. Security is a difficult thing when you haven’t seen an incident like this in a while but the fact that it has happened twice is new since 2017 in Orleans,” he added.
Police investigate a crime scene on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. A driver plowed into a crowd of New Year’s revelers and opened fire in the early hours of the morning. (Kate Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
Before Wednesday morning’s attack, the New Orleans Police Department said it would be on deck for security across the city on New Year’s Eve, in addition to bringing in 300 additional officers from other law enforcement agencies. will
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Police also noted that they are beefing up security for the Sugar Bowl, which is set to take place later Wednesday.
Police investigate a crime scene on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. A driver plowed into a crowd of New Year’s revelers and opened fire in the early hours of the morning. (Kate Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
“The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the horrific events that took place early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in constant communication with authorities at the local, state and federal levels and more details. They become available,” Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said in a statement.
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“This morning there was a horrific act of violence on Bourbon Street,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said in a statement.
“Please join Sharon and I in praying for all victims and first responders at the scene. I urge all people near the scene to avoid the area.”
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., condemned the attack as “evil” and urged the federal government to provide resources for the investigation.
Rep. Troy Carter, D-La., also mourned the attack in a statement, saying New Orleans “will rise again strong and united.”
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“I commend the swift actions of the New Orleans Police Department and federal law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to neutralize the threat and secure the area. Their bravery and dedication prevented further loss of life.” As we continue to learn more about this tragedy, including the motive behind such senseless violence, I will work with local and federal authorities to ensure justice for victims and strengthen safeguards. To work together Resolute. Our communities stand against acts of terrorism,” he said in a statement.
Fox News’ Daniel Wallace contributed to this report.