NEW ORLEANS — The FBI has taken over the investigation into a mass casualty incident on Bourbon Street, now being treated as an act of terrorism. The attack left at least 10 people dead and 35 injured after a suspect intentionally drove a truck into a crowd early on New Year’s Day.
Local and state officials have responded to the tragedy with calls for prayer, support, and potential policy changes to prevent future attacks.
Governor Jeff Landry:
A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.
State Representative Alonzo Knox:
I strongly condemn the horrific and malicious act of violence on Bourbon Street. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives, the survivors fighting for their lives, and the injured, including law enforcement officers and their loved ones. I ask everyone to pray for healing and justice. If you have any information about the heartless individual responsible, please report it to law enforcement immediately. This tragedy highlights the vulnerability of the French Quarter and downtown areas to intentional violence. I will once again urge my legislative colleagues to designate this unique area as an “entertainment district” and work toward a compromise to implement protective measures, including a firearm-free zone, to prevent or lessen such massacres in the future. New Orleans is unique—let’s work together on a common-sense approach to keep our residents and visitors safe.
Jeff Hundley, Sugar Bowl Chief Executive Officer :
The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available.”
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper:
The heinous, intentional attack on Bourbon Street this morning is tragic and unfathomable. New Year’s Day is a day of happiness and excitement, but now ten people are dead and dozens more are injured because of an evil individual. Thank you to the police officers who undoubtedly saved more lives. Please join Catherine and me in praying for those lives lost and injured, and the City of New Orleans.
Councilmember Oliver Thomas
I am at the @UMCNO emergency room now praying for the victims and first responders of last night’s mass casualty on Bourbon Street. Thank you to the entire @LCMCHealth team who has brought the officers involved here to stable condition. We know the perpetrator has been killed. As we search for a motive, remember there is no making sense of evil. Our focus needs to be on prayers and support for everyone involved.
House Speaker Mike Johnson:
The vicious attack on innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans early this morning was an act of pure evil, and justice must be swift for anyone who was involved. Please join us in praying for the victims, their families, and the first responders and investigators on the scene.
City Council President Helena Moreno:
This is a tragic day in the City of New Orleans. I want to send my deepest sympathies to the victims and families of those lost and injured in this horrible attack. I want to especially thank the brave NOPD officers who helped stop this suspect and I hope for the swift recovery of the injured officers. As a leader in our community, I pledge to continue to work relentlessly with NOPD, LA State Police, and all our public safety agencies to enhance security in and around the French Quarter to protect locals and visitors alike. New Orleans is strong, and no amount of terror can change who we are.
District Attorney Jason Rogers Williams
New Orleans is incredibly resilient, but this morning our hearts break for the innocent lives devastated by this hateful act.
Thank you to all of the first responders that activated quickly to prevent further carnage and continue to work this scene.
We ask the public to please adhere to all law enforcement requests to avoid the immediate area as they continue processing the very large crime scene.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise:
Please join me in praying for the victims and their families, as well as our first responders, in the wake of this horrific act of violence on Bourbon Street.
Walt Leger III President and CEO of New Orleans & Company:
New Orleans & Company is in touch with city and state officials and is monitoring the tragic mass casualty incident that occurred on Bourbon Street early on the morning of New Year’s Day. We send our deepest condolences to all of the victims and their families. We defer to the FBI, New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police and city officials for updates on exactly what occurred and the ongoing investigation. Initial reports indicate this was an intentional act of violence, which we condemn. In New Orleans, ours is a culture of community and inclusivity and we welcome millions of people every year to join us. We continue to mourn for those impacted. We know that the spirit of New Orleans is one of resilience that cannot be diminished by this horrific act.
Attorney General Merrick Garland:
The country woke up this morning to news of a terrible tragedy in New Orleans that killed at least 10 people and injured many more.
My heart is broken for those who began their year by learning people they love were killed in this horrific attack, and my prayers are with the dozens who were injured, including the New Orleans Police Department Officers who risked their lives to save others.
The FBI is investigating this matter as an act of terrorism. The FBI, the ATF, the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and will deploy every available resource to conduct this investigation.
Archbishop Gregory Aymond
Our prayers go out to those killed and injured in this morning’s horrific attack on Bourbon Street. This violent act is a sign of utter disrespect for human life. I join with others in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans in offering prayerful support to the victims’ families. I give thanks for the heroic duty of hundreds of law enforcement and medical personnel in the face of such evil.
Congressman Troy A. Carter
I have spoken personally with Secretary Mayorkas and the White House regarding last night’s unspeakable act of violence and will continue to receive updates. My heart is with the victims, their families, and everyone who witnessed this horrific attack during what should have been a joyful New Year’s celebration.
I commend the swift actions of the New Orleans Police Department and federal law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to neutralize the threat and secure the area. Their bravery and dedication prevented further loss of life. As we continue to learn more about this tragedy, including the motive behind such senseless violence, I am committed to working with local and federal authorities to ensure justice for the victims and to strengthen measures that safeguard our communities against acts of terror.
New Orleans has faced adversity before, and we will rise again, stronger and more united.
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