New Orleans: Driver kills 10 and injures 30 in 'act of terrorism'
2025 And On (ap Scene Orleans' Bourbon Attend Bourbon The Services Canal New Wednesday Jan Vehicle Street Street, Photo/gerald Emergency A Into Herbert) After Drove Crowd 1, On A
A driver in a pick-up truck who officials said was “hell-bent on carnage” sped through a crowd of pedestrians in New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter in the early hours of New Year’s Day, killing 10 people and injuring 30 others.
The suspect, described by one city leader as being in "full military gear," died after a shootout with police, law enforcement officials said.
"This man was trying to run over as many people as he could," Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said at a televised press conference on Wednesday.
"He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did."
The incident occurred at 3:15 a.m. (0915 GMT) at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, a historic tourist destination in the city's French Quarter known for attracting large crowds with its music and bars.
Kirkpatrick said the driver, who swerved around barricades, fired at police and struck two police officers from the vehicle after it crashed. The officers were in stable condition, she added.
Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said of the attacker: “He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.
“It was very intentional behaviour. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could.” Two police officers who were shot after the driver emerged from the truck are in a stable condition, she added.
She said officers would work to ensure safety at the Sugar Bowl, indicating that the game would go ahead as scheduled.
Officials did not immediately provide an update on the status of the driver, whether there was an ongoing threat to the public, or offer a suspected motive for the incident.
New Orleans’ emergency preparedness department, Nola Ready, said the casualties had been taken to five local hospitals.
"We know the perpetrator has been killed," said New Orleans City Councilman Oliver Thomas.
"As we search for a motive, remember there is no making sense of evil."
Officials did not immediately name the suspect.
NBC News, citing three unnamed senior law enforcement sources, identified the suspect as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42.
NOLA.com, citing one unidentified law enforcement source, reported that same suspect was carrying an ISIS flag in the truck. Reuters was unable to verify the reports and the U.S. Army did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
New Orleans has seen shootings and cars colliding with crowds at past parades.
In November 2024, two people were killed and 10 others injured in two separate shootings along a New Orleans parade route and celebration attended by thousands, local media reported.
In February 2017, a pickup truck driven by a man who police said appeared to be highly intoxicated plowed into a crowd of spectators watching the main Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, injuring more than 20 people.
US president Joe Biden said the FBI is investigating the “horrific incident” as “an act of terrorism” and that he has directed his team to ensure every resource is available as authorities work to “get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible”.
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday,” Mr Biden said in a written statement.
“There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.” Attorney General Merrick Garland has also been informed, the Justice Department said.