New Orleans city officials, including Mayor LaToya Cantrell, are describing Wednesday morning's deadly French Quarter incident in which a driver plowed through a crowd of people killing 10 and leaving at least 35 people in hospitals as a terrorist attack. In addition to driving through the throngs of revelers along Bourbon Street, the suspect is accused of shooting at responding officers.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is leading the inquest into the incident, says the suspect is dead. New Orleans Police Department officials confirm that responding officers shot and killed the suspect when returning gunfire.
“The city of New Orleans was impacted by a terrorist attack," Mayor Cantrell said during a Wednesday morning press conference. “I have been in contact with the White House, Governor Landry, and the unified command that is present here.”
It happened around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday on Bourbon Street near Iberville Street. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the driver of the pickup truck involved in the attack went around barricades to commit the assault. Kirkpatrick said most of the victims appear to be locals as opposed to tourists.
"It was intentional," Kirkpatrick said, adding that the suspect was "hellbent on creating the carnage" that she says he created. "This man was trying to run over as many people as he could. It was not a DUI situation."
Kirkpatrick added that the suspect fired at NOPD officers after he crashed his truck. Two officers are in the hospital, where their condition is described as stable.
FBI Special Agent Aletha Duncan of the FBI says authorities found a bomb in the early part of their investigation. However, Duncan contradicted city leaders when she spoke to the media.
"This is not a terrorist event," Duncan said. "What it is right now is improvised explosive devices that was found. We are working on confirming if this was a viable device or not." by saying the incident is not a terrorist attack just yet. An FBI agent who spoke with the media said authorities found an improvised explosive device near the scene of the crime.
Neither Kirkpatrick nor Duncan provided any further details about the bomb.
WWL's Chris Miller reports that people in and around the French Quarter are going about their business normally despite the closure of Bourbon Street. City officials are urging to enjoy the day despite the incident, but they're asking people to stay away from the parts of the Vieux Carré.
"The public is urged to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine Streets and also east to Royal Street to west to Dauphine Street until further notice as this investigation is ongoing," an NOPD spokesperson said in a statement.
Governor Jeff Landry has been briefed about the situation. He posted a message about the incident on Twitter.
"A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning," Landry wrote. "Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene."
New Orleans Rep. Troy Carter commended law enforcement's response and said he's in touch with federal officials who are working the case.
“I have spoken personally with (Homeland Security) Secretary (Alejandro) Mayorkas and the White House regarding last night’s unspeakable act of violence and will continue to receive updates," Carter said in a statement. "My heart is with the victims, their families, and everyone who witnessed this horrific attack during what should have been a joyful New Year’s celebration."
Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says tonight's football game will go on as scheduled. Hundley added that he and other game officials are keeping an eye on the situation.
“The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning," Hundley said in a statement. "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.”
Officials with New Orleans and Company and GNO, Inc., condemned the terror attack.
"In New Orleans, ours is a culture of community and inclusivity and we welcome millions of people every year to join us," New Orleans and Company CEO Walt Leger, III, said in a statement. "We continue to mourn for those impacted. We know that the spirit of New Orleans is one of resilience that cannot be diminished by this horrific act."
"Greater New Orleans, Inc. has been in communication with city and state officials since early morning, and is monitoring the vehicular attack that occurred in the French Quarter," GNO, Inc., CEO Michael Hecht said in a statement. "We are heartbroken over the loss of innocent lives, and send deep condolences to the victims and their families.
NOPD officials say they will provide the next update about the case at 11 a.m.