10 Dead, 30 Injured in New Orleans Vehicle Attack

A man with a clear intent to cause widespread destruction drove a pickup truck at high speed into a crowd of people celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, leading to at least ten fatalities and leaving over 35 others injured.

The incident took place around 3:15 am local time in the city’s lively French Quarter, which was filled with revelers welcoming 2025. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated that the driver appeared determined to run over as many people as possible. Additionally, the driver shot at police officers, injuring two of them, and was intent on causing as much harm as he could.

The whereabouts and condition of the driver remain unknown at this time. While the attack is not officially categorized as a terrorist act, Superintendent Kirkpatrick emphasized the truck’s high speed and the deliberate nature of the incident.

The FBI will now lead the investigation into the event. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the attack as a “horrific act of violence.” Eyewitnesses told CBS News that the truck drove through the crowd before the driver got out and began shooting at police officers.

Witnesses Jim and Nicole Mowrer described seeing a white truck break through a barricade at high speed. Nicole Mowrer recounted hearing gunfire and seeing police rush toward the scene. After the shooting stopped, they stayed in a safe spot until it was secure, and when they emerged, they saw several victims who had been struck and tried to help them.

The attack occurred just before New Orleans was set to host the Sugar Bowl, a major football game between the University of Georgia and Notre Dame. Despite heightened police presence in anticipation of large crowds for the celebrations, the city was rocked by the tragedy.