Driver 'hell-bent on carnage' kills 10, injures at least 30 people after ploughing into crowd

Driver ‘hell-bent on carnage’ kills 10, injures at least 30 people after ploughing into crowd

At least 10 people have been killed and more than 30 injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The male driver of the pickup truck sped down Bourbon Street “at a very fast pace” and also fired on police officers, Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. Two officers were struck and both were in a stable condition.

“Last night, we had over 300 officers out here, and because of the intentional mindset of this perpetrator – who went around our barricades in order to conduct this … He was hell bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” Kirkpatrick said.

At least 10 people have been killed and 30 injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd in New Orleans. (AP)

The scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. — The male driver of the pickup truck sped down Bourbon Street “at a very fast pace” and also fired on police officers. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The suspect in the attack was killed after a firefight with police, a federal law enforcement official confirmed.

FBI and police are now conducting searches of the vehicle as they seek to determine a motive.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell labelled the incident “a terrorist attack” but the FBI, who have now taken over the case, say “this is not a terrorist event”. Authorities are yet to clarify on the contradictory claims.

FBI Special Agent Althea Duncan said improvised explosive devices were found at the scene and the agency was working to establish if they were “viable”.

Most of the victims are believed to be locals, Kirkpatrick said, although tourists may be amongst them.

New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell — New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell labelled the incident “a terrorist attack”. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Superintendent of Police for the New Orleans Police Department Anne Kirkpatrick — Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver “was hell bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did”. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The victims have been taken to five hospitals across the city.

US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the “horrific news”, the White House said in a statement.

Biden had been in touch with the mayor and offered his support, they added.

The city’s emergency preparedness agency, NOLA Ready, told people to stay away from the area.

The attack occurred about 3.15am (8.15pm AEDT) on Wednesday along Bourbon Street, known worldwide as one of the largest destinations for New Year’s Eve parties.

Crowds in the city were ballooning in anticipation for the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome later in the day, with thousands expected to be in attendance.

‘Everyone started yelling and screaming’

Witnesses have told of the horror scenes and hearing possible gunshots as the drama unfolded.

“All I seen was a truck slamming into everyone on the left side of Bourbon sidewalk,” said Kevin Garcia, 22, speaking to CNN shortly after the incident.

“A body came flying at me,” he said, adding that he also heard gunshots being fired.

Another witness, 22-year-old Whit Davis from Shreveport, Louisiana, told CNN the incident occurred while she was at a nightclub on Bourbon Street.

Emergency services at a scene in New Orleans where a car has driven into a crowd. (CNN)

Witnesses have told of the horror scenes and hearing possible gunshots as the drama unfolded. (CNN)

“Everyone started yelling and screaming and running to the back, and then we basically went into lockdown for a little bit and then it calmed down but they wouldn’t let us leave,” Davis said.

“When they finally let us out of the club, police waved us where to walk and were telling us to get out of the area fast. I saw a few dead bodies they couldn’t even cover up and tons of people receiving first aid.”

Police told people on the scene to put their phones away and leave as soon as possible, Davis said.

‘Horrific act of violence’

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called the incident a “horrific act of violence”.

“Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene,” he wrote on X.

“I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.”

GOP Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy called the attack in New Orleans “so tragic” in a post on X.

“Give thanks for the police officers responding,” he wrote.

“Remember the wounded and dead and their families.”

New Orleans – and specifically the French Quarter, the city’s vibrant historic centre where Bourbon Street is located – was still in the throes of New Year’s celebrations when the vehicle ran into a crowd early on Wednesday.

Crowds had gathered to attend an open-air concert and New Year’s countdown, with restaurants offering special deals and performances, according to the city’s official website.

Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street — FBI Special Agent Althea Duncan said improvised explosive devices were found at the scene. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

LGBTQ parties featuring dancing and drag cabaret were taking place elsewhere on Bourbon Street, the heart of the city’s gay community – just blocks from where the incident took place.

Many celebrations had been aimed at college football fans descending on the city for the Allstate Sugar Bowl, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday — including a parade that had taken place on Tuesday.

– Reported with CNN and Associated Press