In New Orleans, the new year began with an act of extreme violence. Just a few hours after midnight, a man drove his pickup through celebrating pedestrians in the French Quarter and fired shots from his vehicle. Federal investigators had previously warned of vehicle attacks.
Such acts are generally possible and it is important to prepare for them, they told local authorities. According to police, the incident took place at 3:15 a.m. in a part of the city that tens of thousands of people visit for many events. The crime scene, the two main streets Canal and Bourbon Street, was still very busy on New Year’s Day until well after midnight. On New Year’s Eve there were 300 emergency services in the area.
However, they were unable to prevent one man’s terrorist journey. As reported, the perpetrator drove his vehicle between celebrating passers-by and fired shots from the car. Ten people were killed and another 35 were injured. The man is also said to have targeted two police officers. Many people fled screaming, video footage showed traces of blood on the asphalt and people rushing to help.
From ‘deliberate behaviour’ to terror
Initially, the police spoke of ‘very deliberate behavior’ and ‘no driving under the influence’. Ultimately, authorities quickly reported that the driver was dead and that the incident was being investigated as an act of terrorism. The motive was initially unclear. A flag of the terrorist organization IS was found on the man. Whether and what ties he has with Islamic State is still being investigated.
Here you can see a message from the FBI.
A huge contingent of rescuers was on the scene. Eyewitnesses said the pickup was traveling at a high rate of speed and police fired shots.
Biden: “No justification”
Many politicians have already responded to the terrorist trip on social media. There is no justification for violence, US President Joe Biden wrote on the X platform. He expressed his condolences to the victims and their families and promised to keep himself informed of further developments.
“Please join Sharon and me in praying for all victims and first responders on the ground,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry wrote, referring to his wife Sharon. He urged people to avoid the area where the crime took place.
Trump: “Criminals are coming into the country”
Future US President Donald Trump has now referred to illegal migration. “When I said that the criminals coming into the country are much worse than the criminals we have in the country, it came true,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform. According to the FBI, there is significantly less violent crime in the US today than a few years ago.
A similar incident took place in the French Quarter in 2017. A driver drove into the crowd of spectators during a carnival parade. It was said at the time that he was “heavily drunk” and rammed two cars. 28 people were injured, five of them seriously.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
