Ten people are dead and at least 30 injured in what the New Orleans Mayor is calling a terrorist attack.
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A pickup truck with a man behind the wheel careened into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revelers on Canal and Bourbon Street at around 3:15 AM Wednesday … just as the NYE celebration was winding down.
Authorities say the man was traveling at a high rate of speed and went around barricades before slamming his vehicle into the crowd, as he was firing shots from an assault rifle. Two police officers were hit.
Witnesses say the driver was wearing full body armor.
The driver got out of his truck with his weapon and police shot him dead.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the driver clearly had an intent to kill as many people as possible.
The FBI is now on the case, and Special Agent Alethea Duncan, who heads up the agency’s New Orleans field office, says they found at least one improvised explosive device on scene.
The injured were taken to 5 hospitals in the New Orleans area.
It’s unclear if the attack will affect the Sugar Bowl, which will be held in the City’s Superdome. Thousands are expected to attend, and it’s a safe bet security will be enhanced.
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