Tragedy in New Orleans: A Car-Ramming Attack Leaves at Least 15 Dead and 35 Injured

On the night of January 1, 2025, a car-ramming attack struck New Orleans, Louisiana, during New Year’s celebrations. A driver, determined to sow chaos, plowed into a crowd gathered in the famous French Quarter tourist area, killing at least 15 people and injuring 35, according to local authorities.

A Premeditated Act of Violence

At around 3:15 a.m., a white pickup truck sped through security barricades, striking pedestrians at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon streets, a popular festive area known for its restaurants, bars, and jazz clubs. The assailant then opened fire on law enforcement officers, injuring two, before being fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire.

“This man wanted to hit as many people as possible,” said Anne Kirkpatrick, the local police chief. “He was fiercely determined to cause carnage.”

Chilling Witness Accounts

Witnesses described horrifying scenes. “Once the pickup passed us, we heard gunshots. We saw bodies on the ground and police running in all directions,” a couple told CBS. Other witnesses spoke of widespread panic, exacerbated by the scale of the celebrations in the crowded district.

Terrorism Investigation Underway

The FBI is treating the attack as an act of terrorism and confirmed the discovery of an improvised explosive device at the scene. “We are working to determine whether this device was functional,” said federal agent Aletha Duncan. At this stage, the attacker’s motive remains unknown, but investigators have ruled out driving under the influence.

Reactions and Security Measures

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the events as a “terrorist attack” during a press conference, while Governor Jeff Landry condemned “a horrific act of violence” on X (formerly Twitter).

President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the situation, expressed support for the victims and local authorities. “The FBI is mobilized to assist law enforcement in their investigation,” a White House statement said.

A City in Mourning

The attack occurred during a period of intense festivities, highlighted by the Sugar Bowl, a college football game that draws thousands of visitors. The city had bolstered its security measures, deploying over 300 additional officers.

This tragedy, striking one of the United States’ most iconic destinations, leaves New Orleans in grief and disbelief at the start of the new year.