Ten dead and dozens injured after driver plows car into crowd on Bourbon Street, suspect dead
At least 10 people are dead after a driver plowed a car into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans and then exited the vehicle and fired a weapon, according to police.
At least 10 people are dead and dozens injured after a driver plowed a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans early Wednesday morning.
The driver, a male, reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and opened fire on police after hitting the crowd. The brief shootout ended with the suspect dead at the scene, authorities confirmed. Police say 35 people have been transported to five hospitals across the city after suffering injuries from the attack.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell declared the incident a "terrorist attack" in a Wednesday morning briefing, and FBI agents also confirmed that they are investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
Police say two officers were injured in the attack, but both remain in stable condition. It is unclear whether they were injured by the vehicle or during the shootout.
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Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed the attack in a statement Wednesday morning.
"The country woke up this morning to news of a terrible tragedy in New Orleans that killed at least 10 people and injured many more. My heart is broken for those who began their year by learning people they love were killed in this horrific attack, and my prayers are with the dozens who were injured, including the New Orleans Police Department Officers who risked their lives to save others," Garland said.
"The FBI is investigating this matter as an act of terrorism. The FBI, the ATF, the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and will deploy every available resource to conduct 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 employee at a hotel at the site of the attack told Fox News that she heard two "soft bangs" shortly after arriving to work at 6 a.m. She said she did not know whether police were sweeping for explosives.
The White House confirmed that President Biden has been briefed on the attack in a statement Wednesday morning.
"President Biden has been briefed on the horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight and the White House has been in touch with New Orleans Mayor Cantrell to offer support," the White House said. "The FBI is already on the ground supporting local law enforcement in the investigation and the President will continue to be briefed throughout the day."
The incident happened around 3:15 a.m. at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville, local news station WGNO reported.
Former FBI Special Agent Chris Swecker told Fox News Digital that New Orleans has "always been a problematic police department."
"This type of event is indeed predictable, and it is fundamental that you protect the highest concentration of people at the event. You have to question how a truck got through the perimeter. I can see a lone gunman getting through, it's hard to fathom a truck breaching that perimeter. I suspect they were protecting the perimeter with wooden barriers," Swecker said.
"I can guarantee you in Times Square last night they were protecting that perimeter with vehicles and solid objects. Security is a tough thing when you haven't had an event like this in your Venue in a while but the fact is this has happened twice in New Orleans since 2017," he added.
Prior to the Wednesday morning attack, the New Orleans Police Department had said they would be all hands on deck for security throughout the city on New Year's Eve, in addition to bringing 300 additional officers from other law enforcement groups.
Police also noted that they were ramping up security for the Sugar Bowl, which is set to take place later Wednesday.
"The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available," Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said in a statement.
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Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said in a statement, "a horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning."
"Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area."
Rep. Troy Carter, D-La., also mourned the attack in a statement, saying New Orleans "will rise again, stronger and more united."
"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 am committed to working with local and federal authorities to ensure justice for the victims and to strengthen measures that safeguard our communities against acts of terror," he said in a statement.
Fox News' Danielle Wallace contributed to this report
