Mass casualty incident strikes Bourbon Street in New Orleans, US
Police cordon off the area around the site of the overnight attack in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025. (AFP Photo)
A mass casualty incident took place on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter on Wednesday after a vehicle reportedly plowed into a crowd before the driver exited and began firing a weapon, according to eyewitness accounts and initial police reports.
“The 8th District is currently working a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street. There are 30 injured patients that have been transported by NOEMS and 10 fatalities. Public safety partners are responding on scene,” NOLA Ready, New Orleans emergency preparedness program, said in a statement.
At least 10 people were killed and 35 others injured early Wednesday when a vehicle plowed into New Year’s crowds in New Orleans’ bustling tourist district, according to local officials.
The incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. (0915 GMT) at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, a busy hub in the city’s French Quarter, confirmed NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness agency.
FBI says probing the attack as ‘act of terrorism’
Meanwhile, FBI announced on Wednesday that it is investigating a truck-ramming attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street as an act of terrorism. The incident, which took place earlier in the day, resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
According to a statement from the FBI, the assailant drove a vehicle into a crowd of people on the famous street, leaving several dead and dozens injured. After the attack, the suspect engaged with local law enforcement before being fatally shot.
“The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased,” the FBI confirmed. “The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.”
Local authorities are working closely with federal agencies to gather more information about the motive behind the attack.
Suspect identified as US citizen
FBI identified suspect as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas, adding that a Daesh terror group flag was located inside the vehicle.
“FBI is working to determine the subject’s potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations,” the FBI said in a statement.
Authorities confirm intentional act
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) described the incident as a deliberate attack, noting that the driver displayed “very intentional behavior” in attempting to strike as many people as possible. Officials clarified that the incident was not linked to driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
In addition to ramming the crowd, the suspect reportedly fired a weapon from the vehicle, injuring two police officers. Both officers are in stable condition, according to NOPD.
Casualties treated across multiple hospitals
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, transporting 35 injured individuals to nearby hospitals, including University Medical Center, Touro Hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital, Ochsner Medical Center Jefferson Campus, and Ochsner Baptist Campus.
State leaders condemn the violence
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the attack as “a horrific act of violence” and urged the public to avoid the area while authorities continue their investigation.
“A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning,” said Governor Landry, calling for calm and cooperation with law enforcement officials.
City remains on high alert
The French Quarter, one of New Orleans’ most popular tourist destinations, was crowded with New Year’s revelers when the attack occurred. The city remains on heightened alert as investigations continue.
The New Orleans Police Department has classified the event as a “mass casualty incident,” and authorities have promised to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
