New Orleans attack: 10 dead after vehicle rams NYE crowd – IED found at scene | World | News

Multiple people have been killed after a vehicle ploughed through a crowd of revellers on New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street in the US, according to officials.

Emergency officials confirmed that at least 10 people were killed in the incident, while at least another 26 were injured. The majority of the victims were locals, they said.

Police said the strike was intentional, and the suspect began shooting at officers during the rampage, with two officers shot. They’re both said to be in a stable condition. The suspect is believed to have been shot and killed by police.

Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told a press conference at the scene that the suspect was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage he did”.

The FBI will take over the investigation from local police. The FBI said that an improvised explosive device was found at the scene and that agents are now assessing its viability.

The mayor of the city, LaToya Cantrell, called it a “terrorist attack”, though this was contradicted by FBI special agent Althea Duncan, who later the press conference: “This is not a terrorist event”.

New Orleans government agency NOLA Ready said injured people had been taken to hospital.

The incident occurred around 3.15am local time at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville, in the Louisiana city’s French Quarter.

Emergency services, including ambulances and vehicles from the coroner’s office, were at the scene. Bourbon Street was shut down with a heavy police presence. Areas around the popular street for nightlife had been evacuated.

New Orleans Governor Jeff Landry wrote in a post on X that “a horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street”, and he was praying for the victims and first responders at the scene.

He also urged “all near the scene to avoid the area”, a message echoed by Ms Cantrell.

The Mayor said the exact details surrounding the incident are under investigation. She said she has been in touch with the White House and Governor Landry.

She asked for “prayers for those who have lost their lives”.