A man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a gathering of New Year’s celebrants in New Orleans, seeking to “run over as many individuals as he possibly could,” according to US authorities. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick mentioned that the driver “was determined to cause the destruction and the harm that he inflicted,” with the unfortunate result claiming at least 10 lives in the southern city. The driver’s current condition and location were not immediately known. Although the incident is not classified as a terrorist attack, Kirkpatrick remarked that the truck was operated at “very high speed” and with “very deliberate” actions. The FBI will assume control of the investigation. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the act as a “terrible act of violence. ”
The assault transpired just before a significant football event, the Sugar Bowl, which would have drawn large crowds. New Orleans, one of the most frequented tourist destinations in the US, had increased security for the New Year’s celebration, with the city’s police department fully staffed and an extra 300 officers dispatched from various law enforcement organizations. The French Quarter, a favored location for New Year’s celebrations, had provided special promotions, including LGBTQ parties and drag shows, close to where the attack took place.
