Driver tried to 'run over as many as possible', then fired: All about US attack

A joyous New Year's Eve celebration at the French Quarter in New Orleans took a tragic turn early on Wednesday after a pickup truck rammed a crowd of revellers on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 35.

The incident, which took place at around 3.15 am along Bourbon Street, known worldwide as one of the largest destinations for New Year’s Eve parties, is being probed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

WHAT HAPPENED

According to news agency Reuters, the truck crashed into a crowd at high speed, and the driver reportedly exited and began firing a weapon. Police engaged in a shootout with the suspect and two cops sustained injuries, according to witness accounts reported by CBS News.

"He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said. "It was very intentional behaviour. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could," she added.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the attack as a "terrorist incident", expressing her shock and condolences to the victims' families. "This is a senseless act of violence that strikes at the heart of our community. We are working closely with federal authorities to understand the full scope of the situation," she said in a statement.

However, Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan with New Orleans FBI did not describe the mass casualty incident that way, CBS News reported.

The FBI's New Orleans field office has launched an investigation following the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device, according to Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent in charge.

Meanwhile, the White House said President Joe Biden has been briefed about the attack.

Bourbon Street is a historic tourist destination in the city's French Quarter, known for attracting large crowds with its music and bars.

WITNESSES ACCOUNTS

Eyewitness reports and social media posts detailed an extensive emergency response at the scene. Videos and photos showed a swarm of police cars, ambulances, and coroner's office vehicles stationed at the intersection as authorities worked to evaluate the scope of the disaster.

Kevin Garcia, 22, who witnessed the incident, narrated the ordeal to CNN. "I saw a truck barrelling into everyone on the left side of the Bourbon Street sidewalk. A body flew toward me,” describing the chaotic scene," Garcia said. She also mentioned hearing gunshots shortly after the crash occurred.