AIexpress – In a shocking act of violence, at least 10 people were killed and over 30 others injured in New Orleans during New Year’s celebrations early today. Police reported that a vehicle intentionally drove into a crowded area, leaving a devastating trail of destruction.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver as “hellbent” on “creating the carnage and the damage that he did.” The driver, who engaged with police officers after the attack, was ultimately killed, according to a statement from the FBI.
State Leaders Respond
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the attack, calling it a “horrific act of violence.” He expressed his condolences and offered prayers for the victims and their families during this time of immense grief.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic and horrifying moments when the attack unfolded. One woman, who was at the scene, described the incident as surreal and terrifying.
“Everything happened so quickly,” she said. “The guy in the pickup truck just punched the gas, mowed over the barricade, and hit a pedicab passenger. There were just bodies and screams. I mean, you can’t un-think about or un-hear that. It was chaos.”
She went on to describe the scene as “very, very scary,” adding that the vehicle initially appeared unremarkable amidst the festive crowd. “It was the most bizarre thing. I don’t even know how he managed to maneuver that with the amount of traffic and people that were still out,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities are actively investigating the attack to determine the motive behind the deadly rampage. While the immediate threat has been neutralized, the community remains shaken by the senseless violence that marred what should have been a joyous occasion.
The tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictable nature of such attacks, leaving New Orleans’ residents and visitors grieving for the lives lost and praying for the recovery of those injured.
