Posted on 01/01/25
| News Source: CNN
New Orleans, LA – Jan. 1, 2025 - A horrifying mass casualty incident occurred in New Orleans early Wednesday during New Year's celebrations, leaving 10 people dead and 30 others injured after a man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. The incident unfolded in the French Quarter, hours before the city was set to host the Sugar Bowl college football game.
Timeline of Events:
1:36 AM: Emergency officials reported a mass casualty incident on Canal and Bourbon Street. The city’s disaster preparedness agency, NOLA Ready, urged people to avoid the area.
1:33 AM: NOLA Ready confirmed that 30 injured individuals were transported to five local hospitals, including University Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Centers, while 10 fatalities were reported.
1:08 AM: Witnesses described scenes of chaos and terror. Kevin Garcia, 22, recounted, “A body came flying at me.” Others spoke of hearing gunshots and seeing people receiving first aid as police cleared the area.
7:00 AM: New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick revealed the attack was intentional, stating the driver, moving at high speed, tried to run over as many people as possible. The man also fired at police officers, injuring two, who are now in stable condition.
7:07 AM: Kirkpatrick emphasized that this was not a DUI but an intentional act, saying, “He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage that he did.”
8:00 AM: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called the attack a “horrific act of violence,” asking for prayers for the victims and first responders.
8:12 AM: Mayor LaToya Cantrell initially referred to the event as a “terrorist attack,” but the FBI clarified it was not classified as terrorism.
9:00 AM: Kirkpatrick confirmed the FBI will take over the investigation.
The tragedy unfolded as revelers celebrated New Year’s Eve in one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, with the Sugar Bowl drawing visitors from across the country. Despite the joyful atmosphere, this horrific attack transformed the night into one of fear and heartbreak. Investigators continue to work on understanding the suspect’s motives.