10 Killed, Dozens Hurt In New Orleans 'Terrorist Attack': Truck Drives Into Bourbon Street New Year's Crowd (UPDATED)

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Zinger Key Points
  • FBI investigates New Year's Day vehicle assault in New Orleans as act of terrorism, with multiple fatalities and injuries.
  • The mass killing comes ahead of major events in New Orleans: Sugar Bowl Wednesday, Super Bowl in February and Mardi Gras in March.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information on the postponement of the Sugar Bowl and the timing of the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street.

A vehicle was driven into a crowd at high speed in New Orleans in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day, resulting in at least 10 deaths and over 30 injuries. The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.

What Happened: New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the suspect as being “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”

The incident took place on Canal and Bourbon streets at about 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, according to Bloomberg.

After the attack, the driver was shot and killed by the police. A handgun and an AR-style rifle were recovered from the scene, reports the Associated Press.

The FBI said the driver was Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas, and is investigating his possible associations with terrorist organizations, the AP report said. The FBI reportedly said an Islamic State flag was found in the truck.

Alethea Duncan, an assistant FBI Assistant special agent in charge in New Orleans, said suspected improvised explosive devices were found at the scene, The New York Times reported.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell labeled the incident as a “terrorist attack,” the AP reported.

Also Read: Georgia High School Shooting, Which Killed 4 And Injured 9, Sparks Renewed National Gun Control Discussions

Two police officers were injured during the exchange of fire with the suspect and are in stable conditions, The New York Times reported.

The location of the attack, a popular New Year’s Eve destination, was filled with college football fans for the Sugar Bowl college football quarterfinal, which was scheduled for Wednesday night. The game, between Georgia and Notre Dame, has been postponed to Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

Super Bowl LIX is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

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