The initial assessment by the lead investigator classified the incident as non-terrorist.
The FBI has launched a terrorism investigation into the deaths of ten individuals in New Orleans. A suspect drove a truck into a crowd of New Year’s Eve celebrants Wednesday morning, then exchanged gunfire with police before being fatally shot.
”This morning, a vehicle was driven into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries,” the FBI announced.
“The perpetrator subsequently engaged law enforcement and is deceased. The FBI is leading the investigation, collaborating with partners to determine if this constitutes an act of terrorism,” the statement added.
The attack occurred in a bustling tourist area crowded with New Year’s revelers. At least 10 people were killed and 35 wounded, according to New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) chief Anne Kirkpatrick.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell promptly labeled the incident a “terrorist attack,” a characterization disputed by FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Alethea Duncan, who stated at the same briefing that “this is not a terrorist event.”
Duncan informed reporters that the FBI was collaborating with local police to investigate “improvised explosive devices” discovered near the attack site. Unconfirmed media reports indicate bomb technicians performed at least one controlled detonation of such a device.