A U.S. citizen drove a white Ford pickup truck waving an Islamic State flag into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year in the French Quarter, the Louisiana city’s most prestigious tourist district, at about 3:15 a.m. (0915 GMT), according to the federal bureau. ) conducted, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
He crashed the vehicle, then opened fire and was killed in an encounter with police, with police saying he was driving with the aim of killing as many people as possible.
– How much is the toll? ,
At least 10 people were killed and more than 35 were injured, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. The attacker shot and injured two police officers, whose condition is said to be stable.
– What was the purpose? ,
It was not immediately clear but the FBI said it was investigating the attack as a possible terrorist act.
Authorities say the pickup truck was flying a black flag of the Islamic State group and that they recovered two improvised explosive devices. The FBI said it believes the suspect may have associates.
Without providing any evidence, newly elected US President Donald Trump linked the attack to illegal immigration. However, the FBI said the suspect was a US citizen from Texas.
– What is the identity of the suspect? ,
The FBI named the suspect as Shamsud-Deen Jabbar, 42, and said he was a U.S. Army veteran who was honorably discharged.
– Where did the attack take place? ,
The car-ramming occurred in the heart of the French Quarter, a historic district known for its vibrant night life with numerous bars, restaurants and jazz venues.
The French Quarter and New Orleans in general are known for pre-Lenten street parties known as Mardi Gras.
The city was also host to thousands of people who came to watch the Sugar Bowl, a major college football game that has now been postponed for 24 hours.
One of those injured in the collision with the truck was a student at the University of Georgia, one of the teams traveling to play.
New Orleans is also scheduled to host the Super Bowl on February 9.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
| helpline | |
|---|---|
| Vandrewala Foundation for Mental Health | 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com |
| TISS iCall | 022-255211111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 AM to 10 PM) |
| (If you need help or you know someone who needs help, please contact your nearest mental health professional.) | |
