NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 1, 2025 (Gephardt Daily/UPI) — Ten people people are reported dead and more than 30 injured after a driver plowed into a crowd of partiers at the intersection of New Orleans’ famed Bourbon and Canal streets early New Year’s Day morning.
According to a statement by the New Orleans Police Department, the mass casualty event was an intentional act and the alleged perpetrator died during an exchange of gunfire with police.
At least one improvised explosive device has reportedly been found in the vicinity of the crash scene. That report is under investigation.
The following statement was released by the New Orleans Police Department Wednesday morning:
At about 3:17 a.m., multiple law enforcement officers responded to a report of a vehicle having driven into a crowd of pedestrians on Bourbon Street. Multiple people were reportedly struck before the vehicle crashed.
Upon further investigation, a total of 10 victims were declared to be deceased on scene. At this time, approximately 35 additional victims were determined to have suffered injuries in relation to this incident. Those injured were transported to multiple local and area hospitals via EMS for treatment. No updates are currently available on these victims’ conditions.
After the vehicle came to a stop, the suspect reportedly opened fire on responding officers, who returned fire. The victim (sic) was struck and subsequently declared deceased on scene. Further information on the suspect is not currently available for release.
Two NOPD officers were struck and injured in the exchange. Both were transported via EMS to a local hospital and were last listed in stable condition.
Investigation into this incident is ongoing. No further details are currently available. The next media briefing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CST to provide updates.
The public is urged to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine Streets and also east to Royal Street to west to Dauphine Street until further notice as this investigation is ongoing.
Anyone looking to connect with family or loved ones believed to have been in the area of this incident is urged to call 311 and not to call 911.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations will be the lead agency on this investigation. Anyone with information that can assist is urged to contact the FBI’s New Orleans Bureau by calling (504) 816-3000 or by emailing tips@fbi.gov.
This is a developing story. The purported fact patterns are preliminary and subject to change.
