A devastating attack unfolded in New Orleans early on New Year’s Day 2025, when a driver, described as “hellbent on carnage,” drove a pickup truck into a crowd in the French Quarter, resulting in 10 deaths and 30 injuries. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell labeled the incident a “terrorist attack.”
The horrific event took place at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Bourbon Street, a hotspot for New Year’s Eve celebrations and just before the Sugar Bowl college football game at the Superdome. Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed the driver’s intentionality, stating, “He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.” She also assured that law enforcement would ensure safety at the upcoming Sugar Bowl.
Kirkpatrick further described the driver’s actions, “It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could.”
In the aftermath, the FBI revealed the discovery of a suspected improvised explosive device at the site. Special Agent Alethea Duncan noted, “We are working on confirming if this is a viable device or not.”
The French Quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife, was teeming with New Year’s revelers when the attack occurred. CBS News reported that witnesses observed a truck plowing through crowds before its driver engaged in a shootout with police. According to Jim and Nicole Mowrer, who spoke to CBS, the truck crashed through a barricade at high speed, followed by gunfire.
Despite the heavy police presence, with the New Orleans Police Department reporting full staffing plus an additional 300 officers from various agencies, the attacker managed to cause significant harm. The area was preparing for New Year’s festivities, offering special events like LGBTQ parties and drag cabaret shows close to the attack location.
The motive behind this brutal act remains undisclosed, and no immediate details were provided regarding whether the incident was premeditated. The investigation into this tragedy continues to unfold.
