New Orleans New Year’s Tragedy: Truck Attack Claims Lives

Witnesses recount the harrowing moments during the attack that unfolded just after the New Year celebration, shocking the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans.

 

In the early hours of January 1, revelers were enjoying the festivities on Bourbon Street in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. The party atmosphere quickly transformed into a nightmare when a white pickup truck barreled into a crowded area, killing 10 and injuring numerous others.

Whit Davis recounted the panic that erupted in the bar he was in, likening it to an "active shooter drill" as people scrambled to hide. Nearby, Jim and Nicole Mowrer witnessed the pickup break through a barrier at high speed. Seeking shelter in an alcove, the couple heard gunshots as law enforcement approached.

“I was closing up for the night when we heard the chaos outside,” recalled a hotel worker who witnessed the aftermath from a window. “When we looked out, we saw many bodies on the ground. The truck had already fled.” He rushed downstairs to assist, noting the horrific sight that awaited him.

After crashing further down the street, the assailant began shooting at responding officers. Two were injured but reported to be in stable condition. The FBI confirmed that the driver of the truck was deceased.

"The images were shocking,” Davis stated, reflecting on his exit from the bar. “As we walked out, we passed dead bodies and injured people everywhere. Everyone was in total shock.” Similarly, the Mowrers were confronted with the grim reality of several individuals they attempted to help, who unfortunately were beyond saving.

Police cordoned off the area, signaling the severity of the event. New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick condemned the attack, stating the driver was "hell-bent on creating carnage." The FBI is treating the incident as an "act of terrorism," with reports of an improvised explosive device found at the scene, currently under investigation to determine its viability.