A pickup truck drove onto a busy Bourbon Street early in the morning on New Year's Day.
NEW ORLEANS - It was a devastating start to the New Year in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Fifteen people have died and dozens more have been injured, after a pickup truck bearing the flag of the Islamic State group steered past a police blockade and sped onto a busy Bourbon Street early yesterday morning.
The 42-year-old driver was shot dead by police. The FBI says he was a US citizen from Texas and a US Army veteran.
The FBI is also treating this as a terrorist attack and does not believe the man acted alone. Along with guns, officials also found what appeared to be an improvised explosive device in the pickup truck. Other devices were also found in other areas of the French Quarter.
In a statement on social media yesterday morning, President Joe Biden said his heart goes out to the victims and their families, adding there is no justification for violence of any kind.
To all the people of New Orleans grieving today, our nation grieves with you.
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 2, 2025
I've directed my team to provide every resource necessary to support the ongoing investigation and ensure there is no remaining threat to the American people. pic.twitter.com/4TlJnJHZte