New Orleans Mayor Declares Incident as ‘Terrorist Attack’ – Latest Updates and Death Toll of 10+
In a shocking turn of events, the bustling city of New Orleans was rocked by a devastating incident early on Wednesday morning. A truck plowed into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, leaving at least 10 people dead and 30 others injured. The New Orleans mayor, LaToya Cantrell, wasted no time in labeling this tragedy as a ‘terrorist attack’, sending shockwaves throughout the city.
Attacker’s Intent Unveiled
The New Orleans police commissioner, Anne Kirkpatrick, shed light on the horrific nature of the attack, revealing that the driver was “hell-bent” on causing carnage and chaos. The deliberate and intentional behavior of the perpetrator was evident as he aimed to run over as many innocent bystanders as possible. This senseless act of violence left a trail of devastation in its wake, with two police officers also shot during the chaos. Fortunately, the officers are currently in stable condition, reported the Associated Press.
FBI Takes Control
As the city grappled with the aftermath of the attack, the FBI swiftly took over the investigation to unravel the motives behind this heinous act. Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, disclosed that officials had discovered at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding tragedy.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses who were present during the attack recounted a scene of horror and chaos as the white truck crashed into the unsuspecting crowd at high speed. The driver, upon exiting the vehicle, began firing a weapon, prompting a swift response from law enforcement officers. The situation escalated into a firefight, further heightening the sense of fear and panic in the area.
Governor’s Response
Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana condemned the attack as a “horrific act of violence”, urging residents to pray for the victims and first responders involved. The festive New Year celebrations quickly turned into a nightmare, with partygoers caught in the crossfire of this senseless tragedy. The casualties were swiftly transported to various hospitals, including the University Medical Center, Touro Hospital, and East Jefferson General Hospital, for urgent medical attention.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of this terrorist attack, the resilience and unity of the community shine through in the face of adversity. The road to recovery may be long and arduous, but the spirit of New Orleans remains unbroken in the face of tragedy. Let us stand together in solidarity and support as we navigate these turbulent times, holding onto hope and healing for a brighter tomorrow.
